Bruce Feldman measure pressure on Steve Sarkisian, Texas in 2023

Steve Sarkisian has some pressure on him going into the 2023 season with Texas, one which the Longhorns are favored to win the Big 12.

With the amount of talent back for Texas, the team probably should contend for a conference crown before going to the SEC. Fox Sports’ Bruce Feldman doesn’t think Sarkisian goes on the hot seat if they can’t get it done.

But, having a disappointing season would certainly raise questions before switching conferences.

“I think pressure would be (losing) five games (and going) 7-5,” Feldman said on The Herd. “Because the expectations are really high. As you said, the preseason conference pick to win in (their) last year (in the Big 12) before they jump into the deep end of the pool, quite frankly, where you’re going to the SEC up next. A lot of people look at this roster, the offensive line has matured after last year, he’s got a five-star quarterback.”

Quinn Ewers is back and ready to stay healthy for an entire season. If he can do so, he might be one of the best quarterbacks in the country and live up to his recruiting billing, with the help of Sarkisian.

“I spent some time with Quinn Ewers yesterday, nobody doubts his arm,” Feldman said. “He’s got himself in the best shape of his life, lost about 20 pounds. He told me that everybody’s talked about how he’s matured. He looked great when he was healthy against Alabama, they probably should have won that game … then he was really up and down after that. As you said Sark is really good with quarterbacks, he’s really good with offense. 

“I think the biggest challenge for them now, obviously, is that they lost Bijan Robinson (who) was phenomenal. The receiving corps are really good, their tight end’s really good. I think it’s consistency for them. To me, that’s the biggest issue with Sark.”

Can Sarkisian and Texas actually get over the hump? The head coach has yet to prove it through his head coaching career.

“He took Washington when they were awful and got him respectable, but they didn’t get much better than that until Chris Peterson took over,” Feldman said. “USC almost imploded right after he got there, and now we’re waiting to see. He’s never had a 10-win season. So this is the time now to say okay, can he do it?

“Can they have not just some moments, can they sustain it? Can they not stub their toe at times because the Big 12 is just good enough where almost everybody’s dangerous.”