Steve Sarkisian admits he knows hype of TCU game, chance of distractions

Big 12 Championship implications are on the line Saturday night, with the Texas Longhorns playing host to the TCU Horned Frogs. While first place in the conference is not exactly on the line, it could be a sneak preview of December’s matchup at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Something that would be a first for both head coaches involved, Sonny Dykes and Steve Sarkisian.

The latter of the two recently talked about the hype of the game, understanding there are a ton of distractions available for Texas. ESPN’s College GameDay will be in town, while so much more is at stake than just a win and a loss. Sarkisian said the message to the team has been to block out the distractions and focus on playing a “really good” TCU team.

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“I’m not naive to the fact that — I recognize all that’s surrounding the game,” Sarkisian said. “I think we do a pretty good job of staying focused on the task at hand and quieting the noise. Because there are the games, more people call you and ask for tickets, right? These are the games that ask our players ‘can I get a ticket?’ and the coaches. That can be a distraction.

“GameDay coming can be a distraction. Fighting for first place in the conference can be a distraction. The challenge is quieting the noise, focus on the task at hand. And that’s going out and playing really good football against a very good opponent.”

When Sarkisian takes the field, his team will be considered a near-touchdown favorite to win the game. Even with three losses on the season and TCU having the last undefeated team in the Big 12, Texas has the advantage in Vegas’ eye.

Even so, there have been second-half struggles for the Longhorns while playing at home. Mainly last season, blowing leads to both Oklahoma State and, infamously, Kansas. Both of those teams will be a little different than the No. 4 ranked Horned Frogs, who are fighting for a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Some meaningful football is being played down the stretch in Austin and that’s not something players on the current roster are used to. Steve Sarkisian will have to attempt to keep his team’s heads in the right spot, taking things one step at a time.

If he can do so, they should all be happy when the clock strikes zero.