Steve Sarkisian content with Texas Longhorns offense ahead of Arkansas rivalry

Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns took care of business over the weekend, earning them a No. 15 ranking in the Week 1 AP Poll released on Tuesday.

Sarkisian’s offensive expertise was evident from the initial whistle. Whenever the Longhorns had the ball, they executed, for all four quarters. It’s still early, but that kind of showing against a reputable opponent should have the fan base thrilled.

Texas closed out the game with an impressive, yet balanced offensive stat sheet. The Longhorns’ offense finished with 435 total yards (265 passing, 170 rushing), while averaging 6.4 yards per play.

When asked about the team’s understanding of his offense heading into the Arkansas game, Sarkisian was both confident and honest.

“When we’re working as a staff and we’re trying to put a game plan together, there’s a reason we install our offense the way that we do. We teach concepts so that in-game if we see something…the guys are pretty well-equipped to just go run it. There’s a fair amount of times in a game that we’ve got to make adjustments. In the game of football, I think there are a lot of adjustments. I really try to assess the game…get a feel for the game. The hot hand on our team…the weak link on the other side. Those things pop up during ballgames.”

Steve Sarkisian pleased with third-down conversions

Texas was particularly impressive when converting on third down (10 of 15). Again, it was all praise on his team’s execution during those high-pressure moments.

“Historically, for me, when you believe in running the ball and pushing the ball down the field and taking shots,” Sarkisian said. “Being 10-of-15 in that game was a great number for us. Hudson has the ability to be slippery in the pocket and Jordan Whittington had three or four conversions for us there.”

Here’s a perfect example of exactly what the Texas Longhorns’ coach was referring to.

Jordan Whittington running with a purpose! pic.twitter.com/5Ps4anXncR

— Hook'em Headlines (@HookemHeadlines) September 4, 2021

Though Texas was leading, this was a critical drive to start the third quarter. On third-and-11, which isn’t ideal for any offensive coordinator, quarterback Hudson Card stepped up, with pressure in his face, to deliver a strike to Whittington, who added a chunk after the catch as defenders surrounded him, yet struggled to bring him to the ground.

Steve Sarkisan talks protection, fourth-quarter strategy

Texas led 28-12 heading into the fourth quarter, but Sarkisian has been around football long enough to understand the importance of closing out the game.

Still, through a balanced rushing attack, without taking the passing game out completely, the Longhorns delivered to perfection.

“You can’t ever lose respect for your opponent,” Sarkisian said. “The ultimate goal is to win. I don’t lose sight of the ultimate goal. I also don’t lose sight of having respect and realizing how dangerous our opponent can be. Saturday would’ve been a really good example of if you just start counting possessions…you can inevitably end the game halfway through the fourth quarter because you know they can’t come back to make that happen. There’s a fine line…I want them to be aggressive. I want them to know they have their foot on the gas and I’ll be the one to pump the brakes.”

Steve Sarkisian was brought to Texas for many reasons, but his offensive prowess was at the forefront. So far, he’s confident that his scheme has fit well and the players are not only buying in but executing too.