Steve Sarkisian circles the key to Texas beating Alabama in 2023

Last year, Steve Sarkisian and Texas played it close against Alabama before the Crimson Tide came away with the 20-19 victory at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. The two teams will have a rematch this season when the Longhorns head to Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa — and he knows it won’t be easy.

Sarkisian spoke about the biggest keys to beating his former boss, Nick Saban, at Big 12 Media Days on Wednesday. He pointed out how close last year’s game was, but noted close isn’t good enough. It won’t just come down to how the Longhorns look on the field in practice, though.

It’s going to come down to the mental part of the game.

“We thought we played them well a year ago. We didn’t play well enough,” Sarkisian said. “So the key to the drill when we go there, we have to play better than we did last year. I think we can. I think we’ll have the mental fortitude to go do it, the mental toughness to go do it, and the physical toughness to go do it because it’s going to be a physical football game.

“They’re a big, physical football team that will be really well-coached, and we have to make sure they get our best shot because we’re going to get theirs for sure, too.”

Steve Sarkisian: Texas is ‘going to get everybody’s best shot’

Texas was picked as the preseason favorite to win the Big 12 this season — its final year in the league. The Longhorns know they have a target on their back, and beating Alabama would be quite the milestone.

But it’s not just the Crimson Tide who will put its best foot forward to beat Texas, though. It’s every opponent on the schedule, and that’s why the Longhorns have to be at the top of their game week in and week out.

“Well, like every game, I think we know this. … Everywhere we go, we have to recognize we’re the University of Texas,” Sarkisian said. “We’re going to get everybody’s best shot. Alabama is no different. Coach Saban is going to have that team ready to play.

“We have to make sure they get our best shot, we have to prepare really well, we have to embrace the moment and understand what that moment is and we’ve got to play good football.”

Texas and Alabama are set to face off Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.