Live updates: Steve Sarkisian recaps KSU, previews TCU in Monday press conference

Following the Longhorns’ 34-27 win over Kansas State in Manhattan, Kan.,Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian will be available to the media for his weekly press conference after 11 a.m. Central. It will be aired on Longhorn Network and TexasSports.com, and will be carried on The Horn.

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Before festivities begin, the Big 12 announced that the start time and TV partner Texas’ trip to Lawrence, Kan. to face the Kansas Jayhawks will be a six-day designation.

The 11/19 #Big12FB games are being held for six-day selections. Start time and network designation for all five games will be made after the games on 11/12.

Oklahoma State at Oklahoma
Texas at Kansas
TCU at Baylor
Texas Tech at Iowa State
Kansas State at West Virginia

— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) November 7, 2022

Steve Sarkisian at the podium

Steve Sarkisian: “There were some real highlight things when you go back and analyze the game of things that were important to us going into the game.” 1) No sacks 2) No interceptions 3) Doubled KSU’s season average on points 4) Running the football. On defense, he mentions they kept KSU “almost 100 yards below” the rushing average. Also praises the two turnovers. Lastly, praises the Texas coverage unit.

Steve Sarkisian: “I thought our players showed a lot of composure in that environment to perform and then ultimately come out with a win, so that was a great win for us.”

Steve Sarkisian: “We’re playing a very good opponent. Very electric on offense, a really good run game. Miller is a tremendous runner. Duggan is a great passer. They’ve got Quinten Johnston on the outside, so a really complete football team.”

Steve Sarkisian on Gary Patterson: “We’re lucky to have him on our team. I know he’s doing his normal deal, what he does throughout the week to help us get prepared.”

Steve Sarkisian says there were too many self inflicted wounds on both sides of the ball in the second half, including presnap penalties. — “Inevitably it’s more about what we did as opposed to what they did.”

Steve Sarkisian: “I think the mental component of a competitor is always something that we need to work on. To me, it’s a lot like lifting weights. If you want to get bigger, faster, stronger, you have to work at it. You want to be mentally tough enough to deal with the adversity and things that come along your way. You have to work at that too, so we never take that for granted.”

Steve Sarkisian on Quinn Ewers, says he thought he stood in there and made critical throws, including a few to Ja’Tavion Sanders. Also credits the third-down and touchdown passes to Xavier Worthy. — “I thought he handled it much better the second time around than the first time around.”

Steve Sarkisian on Savion Red: “Thought it was great for Savion to get out there. It wasn’t perfect. He knows that but yet he played really hard. He played tough. He’s got a bright future, hopefully we can continue to work him in as well as Brenen (Thompson) and Casey (Cain) and the other guys. Proud of those guys for not settling for where they were on the depth chart but continued to work at their craft and improve. When you do that, we’ll find a way to get you out there.”

Steve Sarkisian says Gary Patterson has great rapport with staff and players. Mentions his specific role, which does not include coaching, is that he is a sounding board and does a lot of advanced scouting.

Steve Sarkisian on Ja’Tavion Sanders: “I think JT is playing really good football for a second year in college for a guy who was in a lower role last year in special teams. It’s huge for our offense. Historically for me, the tight end has been an impactful guy in our system. It’s a challenging position in our system because we ask him to do so much.”

Steve Sarkisian says “it’s always good when you get a win like that and then here comes a top five team coming into your own stadium on a Saturday night who’s in first place in your league to get your attention quickly.”

Steve Sarkisian on Michael Taaffe: “He knows multiple positions. He knows the defense well. It’s one thing to know what to do. It’s another to make your plays.”

Steve Sarkisian on Jaylon Guilbeau: “Guilbeau will probably be out a couple more weeks. He’s getting better, that’s for sure. Sooner rather than later.”

Steve Sarkisian calls Jaylan Ford a “turnover machine.”

Steve Sarkisian says they emphasize red zone offense and defense with a large volume of practice reps.

Steve Sarkisian on the OL: “That was a big challenge for them the other night. That was a good defensive front, linebackers and D-line.” — “I thought they performed well. We’re going to need them to perform well the rest of the way and most importantly Saturday night.”

Steve Sarkisian says he emphasizes average yards per play when it comes to defense as opposed to things like total yardage and scoring defense. They also look at explosive plays and making people earn yardage. Turnovers, third down, and red zone efficiency are also important. In addition to sacks, Sarkisian looks at QB hurries.

Steve Sarkisian on Bijan Robinson: “I could argue last week was one of his top one or two games since I’ve seen him been here. He played really well.” — Mentions that on Xavier Worthy’s first touchdown, Robinson had a big blitz pickup to help spring the play.