Steve Sarkisian reveals what is fueling Texas with Big 12 title out of picture

Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian started the season with a very clear goal of what he wanted to accomplish in his first year at Texas: Win a Big 12 title.

Now that Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Baylor have all snatched victories away from Sarkisian’s squad late in games, that goal is out of his reach. With a 2-3 conference record, a lot of chaos would have to occur to see Texas in Arlington.

Now, the Longhorns have to find other ways to stay motivated with four games left on the schedule.

“Win this week,” Sarkisian said on Monday, addressing the team’s new goal. “I think we kind of recognize, big picture, where we’re at, but all of our focus is on this week’s ball game. When you think about big picture, there’s never been a great triumph without a struggle. To triumph and do something special, you have to struggle. And clearly, we’re in the midst of the struggle. The only way to get over that hump is to have grit, determination and perseverance, and to ultimately, breakthrough.

“I believe that we will. Our morale is in a great spot. I think our guys believe because they see that when we play quality football, what it looks like.”

The Longhorns have an opportunity for a breakthrough on Saturday versus 5-3 Iowa State. The Cyclones are fifth in the conference in scoring offense and third in scoring defense, holding teams to 19.6 points per game.

Sarkisian focused on Iowa State

Things are not going to get easier after the Baylor loss. Texas will now have to travel to Ames for a matchup against Iowa State. Given the 7:30 pm. ET kickoff, Jack Trice Stadium is going to provide a hostile environment.

Steve Sarkisian knows the challenge the Longhorns will face on Saturday. Even without the Big 12 championship implications on the line, this is a big matchup for both teams — Iowa State is coming off a road loss to West Virginia themselves.

Making sure his team is focused on the game and not the future was Sarkisian’s message.

“It’s not about what’s down the road, it’s about what’s right in front of us, and what’s ahead of us next week is a really good Iowa State team,” Sarkisian said. We are going to need to play good football on the road. We’ve got to prepare ourselves to do that.”

Texas has lost two consecutive games to Iowa State and two out of the last three on the road. Sarkisian will be matching up against head coach Matt Campbell for the first time as well.