Steve Sarkisian feels good about Texas' chances in College Football Playoff

Head coach Steve Sarkisian and his team did something major this season: Get over the hump and get Texas into the College Football Playoff. And the Longhorns aren’t there just to play a game and cash a check.

Speaking with reporters after learning Texas’ matchup — against No. 2 Washington in the Sugar Bowl — Sarkisian said he believes his squad can play with anyone in the country. And that’s not just because of some offensive firepower, either.

“I feel good. I’ve always felt like if we can get in, we can play with anybody in the country. And part of that is, I think, the versatility of our team matters,” Sarkisian said.

He continued, highlighting Texas’ depth on the lines, bevy of playmakers on offense and defense and a sterling special teams unit.

“We’re good up front on both sides of the line of scrimmage. We’ve got real playmakers on the offensive side of the ball, whether it’s wideout, tight end, running backs, quarterback, we’re really starting to create the turnovers on defense, which is important. We’re defending the run really well. We’ve been an excellent special teams operation all year long. Bert Auburn’s had a great year, Ryan Sanborn, Will Stone, Keilan Robinson, Xavier Worthy, we’re blocking kicks, so I thought the versatility of our team and that we’re a complete team really stacks up with just about anybody,” Sarkisian said.

And his praise wasn’t merely limited to his own team, either.

Sarkisian knows the Huskies, plus a potential national championship matchup against Michigan or Alabama (a rematch, in that case), will provide all the challenges he, his staff and his players can handle.

“I haven’t had a chance to really dig in to all three of these teams, outside of I know ‘Bama a little bit because of the prep, but they’re all great teams. They’ve all got really good coaches. They’re not in this tournament as a fluke. And so it’s going to take our best effort in preparation and then ultimately in performance to be successful,” Sarkisian said.

Texas’ most recent opponent has much respect after meeting

Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy is impressed with what Sarkisian has been able to build at Texas in just three seasons. After taking down Sarkisian’s Longhorns in 2021 and 2022, the Cowboys fell 49-21 this past week in the Big 12 Championship.

The lopsided win was indicative of just how far the Longhorns have come under Sarkisian. Quarterback Quinn Ewers lit up the OSU defense for 452 yards and four touchdowns to just one interception as it was never close.

Texas dominated both side of the ball, bottling up running back Ollie Gordon for just 34 yards rushing and forcing three turnovers. Speaking postgame, Gundy gave high praise to Sarkisian for the talented roster he’s put together.

“They’re very talented, we all know that,” the coach said. “It’s no secret. I told my guys, I like our guys. They’re on a good run right now with — I was told during the week they have 11 players that are going to be drafted. Now, I don’t know. I don’t keep track of that.

“My point being is that would put him on a good run talent-wise. It’s a high number, and they went through a period when the quarterback is out that, when I watched tape, they looked a little vulnerable at times. They lost the running back. They had a good running back, I heard, but other than that, they’ve stayed really healthy, and they’re playing good football right now.”