Steve Sarkisian explains what makes TCU's offense so explosive

Usually, Steve Sarkisian is the one dialing up the explosive offenses. While Texas has been good with quarterback Quinn Ewers running the show, TCU has been one of the Big 12’s top offenses. Sonny Dykes’ unit is averaging 43.1 points per game — fourth best in the country.

Sarkisian broke down why TCU is having offensive success, citing their skill position players. Wide receiver Quentin Johnston got a special shoutout, while Max Duggan is “playing with a lot of confidence” according to the Longhorns’ head coach. His job will be to slow them down alongside defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski.

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“They’ve got a very talented roster,” said Sarkisian. “They’ve got a lot of speed on their team. Quentin Johnston is an easy one to point out but they’ve got four or five receivers who can really run. Obviously, the two running backs can get it. They utilize the tight ends really well, then the quarterback is playing with a lot of confidence.

“In turn, when they get the looks they’re looking for, he takes the shots and they go get it. They space you out quite a bit, so if the first guy doesn’t get him on the ground you’ve got to populate the ball because they have the ability to take it the distance. That’s the natural concern when you play against everybody.”

Texas has been a good defensive team at home, giving up just 17.5 points per game. The number slightly ticks just above 20 points when only accounting for Power Five opponents, with Alabama, Iowa State, and West Virginia making their way to Austin.

Steve Sarkisian attempting to limit distractions heading into TCU

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.

“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.”