Steve Sarkisian sounds off on suspected Alabama-Texas kickoff time

Two of the biggest names in college football are scheduled to battle on Sept. 10 when Texas plays host to the Alabama Crimson Tide. Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian will be going up against his old program after spending two seasons as the offensive coordinator in Tuscaloosa under head coach Nick Saban.

Details surrounding the game have begun to be released, with FOX announcing they will have the broadcast. An exact kickoff time has not been determined but with FOX slotting their premier games for 12 p.m. ET, the assumption is that the Alabama-Texas matchup will be no different.

Sarkisian commented on the possibility of having the early kickoff but did not seem too bothered. He said no matter when television networks schedule their games, Texas will go out there and play.

“We have a saying in our building,” Sarkisian said at the Touchdown Club of Houston on Wednesday. “Just spot the ball. Just spot the ball and we’ll play.”

Steve Sarkisian on playing Alabama at 11 a.m.: “Spot the ball and we’ll play.”

Mentions he knows fans love night games, “but at the end of the day the world that we’re in in college football… TV is a factor.”

— Joe Cook (@josephcook89) May 18, 2022

When looking at the rest of the slate in college football on Sept. 10, there is not really a matchup that compares as far as brand names go. Even though FOX could most likely broadcast the game at whatever time they please and still see huge ratings, 12 p.m. ET has been their timeslot over the past few seasons. Until announced otherwise, the assumption will be kickoff will be on the earlier side.

Fox to broadcast Steve Sarkisian, Texas face off against Alabama

FOX announced Monday that it has been chosen to broadcast a marquee nonconference matchup between Alabama and Texas on Sept. 10. The game between two of college football’s most storied programs is set to take place at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin.

Kick time has yet to be announced.

Both programs enter 2022 with high expectations, as it will be the second season for Steve Sarkisian as Longhorns coach. He previously served on the Crimson Tide staff, winning a national championship in 2020 under Nick Saban. Alabama returns last year’s Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young at quarterback as it aims to make its eighth appearance in the College Football Playoff.

The Crimson Tide are coming off of a runner up finish in the title game against Georgia this past season. Meanwhile, Texas went 5-7 and missed a bowl game for the first time in four years. The Longhorns brought in quarterback Quinn Ewers, the No. 3 overall player according to On3’s Transfer Portal Rankings, in to help turn things around. Texas also returns star running back Bijan Robinson and leading receiver Xavier Worthy to make up what is projected to be an explosive offense.