Steve Sarkisian assesses performance against Rice, lays out areas of improvement ahead of Alabama

Usually, when talking about a win under Steve Sarkisian, you talk about the offense. Texas will start elsewhere following the Rice game, with Pete Kwiatkowski‘s defense really standing out. Just 10 points were allowed and arguably more important to Sarkisian, the tackling performance was up to his standard.

“Our front has been really good,” Sarkisian said during his postgame interview with FOX’s Allison Williams. “We like our depth on defense. We played well in the back end and we populated the ball. One of your concerns in the first games in always tackling. I thought we tackled pretty well today.”

When looking back at the box score, Sarkisian is likely going to be happy with the turnovers. Rice quarterback JT Daniels threw two interceptions, with Texas LB Jaylan Ford and CB Austin Jordan coming away with them. A fumble was caused too, putting the Longhorns at +3 in the turnover margin.

Where Sarkisian will not be too thrilled is with the first-half offensive execution. Luckily, quarterback Quinn Ewers had a smoother third quarter and came out blazing. Three touchdown drives in what you would expect in a home season opener.

“We found a rhythm in the third quarterback when the ones were in there,” Sarkisian said. “Three drives, three touchdowns. Much better execution, much better urgency and tempo.”

Texas struggled to block for Ewers in the first half, with Rice doing a nice job of getting pressure. Once there was more time in the pocket, Ewers could distribute to his receivers and get a nice tempo going. Something Sarkisian sees as the key to Ewers’ success in 2023.

Steve Sarkisian looks ahead to Alabama matchup in Tuscaloosa

By no means did Texas play a perfect game on Saturday, with Sarkisian admitting so. Improvements are going to need to be made, especially considering next week’s opponent. A trip East toward Tuscaloosa is on deck, facing off against Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday.

“We got a lot to work on,” Sarkisian said. “There are some third and shorts, fourth and shorts we need to improve upon. Find some rhythm in all aspects of the offense. And then we got to have an impact in the special teams unit. We had one good punt return but I think we can be more impactful.”

Jeff Banks is one of the more well-known special teams coordinators in the country. Sarkisian will be hoping his unit can make an impact at Bryant-Denny Stadium, adding a new wrinkle to the game plan.