Steve Sarkisian spills beans on his "secret sauce" that helped Texas take giant leap in SEC
Steve Sarkisian's Texas Longhorns secured a huge 27-24 win over Vanderbilt on Saturday, their first Southeastern Conference (SEC) road victory. This pivotal game not only boosted Texas to a 7-1 overall record and 3-1 in the SEC, but it also kept them in a strong spot for upcoming games.
After a tough loss to Georgia last week, the No. 6 Longhorns' winning response was crucial for maintaining momentum in their debut SEC season. Now, as Texas heads into games against unranked teams before their showdown with Texas A&M, they’re set up well.
In an interview with the Longhorn Network, Sarkisian shared insights into what’s driving the team’s success this season: a focus on connection.
“I talked about to the guys this week, we got to get reconnected even off the field,” he said. “We're doing things outside of football with one another as much as it is doing things on the field together. And I think that's part of our secret sauce a little bit.”
Texas needs everyone involved to push through this season. The best way to feel part of the team is to actually be part of it—not just during practice but beyond, per Sarkisian.
Texas football is right in the middle of the College Football Playoff race, heading into its second open week.
On Nov. 5, the CFP selection committee will release its first round of rankings—the rankings that will ultimately shape the 12-team playoff field.
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Steve Sarkisian has his eyes on a national title and a long road to get there
For Steve Sarkisian, Texas is only halfway through a journey he envisions ending on Jan. 20, deep in the College Football Playoff (CFP).
“The goal is to be playing on January 20,” Sarkisian said [H/t AtoZ Sports]. “And if you want to be playing January 20th, you’re at minimum playing eight more games. So when you look at this way, we’re at the halfway point.”
Texas has four regular-season games ahead, with the SEC Championship in sight. A potential title run could mean three to four more games in the CFP.
Next up is a showdown with Florida on Nov. 9. Texas, one of four SEC teams with a single conference loss, is chasing Texas A&M, who will host the Longhorns in their final regular-season clash.