Sam Pittman discusses a bigger, faster Texas since the 2021 game in Fayetteville

As Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman prepares for a much-anticipated matchup with Texas, he’s clear about one thing: the Longhorns are a vastly different team from the one Arkansas last faced in 2021.

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“Texas, really really good,” Pittman said, describing the formidable challenge Texas now presents. “Very talented up front, offensively, skill-wise, quarterback… They got guys when they get the ball to the edge, put you in space, are hard to tackle when they get out in space.”

Since their 2021 matchup, the Longhorns have transformed into a team with greater speed and size. Pittman’s defensive game plan is focused on containing Texas’ explosive skill players, repeatedly stating Arkansas’ defense needs to prevent Texas from making plays on the edge like we’ve seen in recent games against Vanderbilt and Florida. “We certainly have worked that last week,” he said, underscoring the importance of keeping Texas from getting into open field.

Pittman also highlighted the physicality and discipline of the Texas defense, likening their style to Pittman’s most recent employer before becoming head coach in Fayetteville. “Defensively, they’re big,” he noted. “I’m not going to say simple, you know where they’re going to line up. They remind me a lot of when I was at Georgia. The schematics that they’re running is what Georgia’s defense did a lot. Basically saying, ‘we’re better than you — we’re going to line up and whip your butt’ type mentality.”

Pittman emphasized that this straightforward defensive strategy, anchored by skilled players, makes Texas a tough opponent. “They have very, very good players,” he continued. “I think their linebackers are very, very good. Just really talented.”

One factor Pittman sees as contributing to Texas’ growth is Sarkisian’s experience and strategic approach. Since coming to Texas from Alabama, Sarkisian has drawn on his SEC and NFL background to build a team capable of competing at that level. “Coach Sarkisian does a wonderful job with them,” Pittman acknowledged. “Certainly since we played them the last time, they’re quite a different team. Their talent level is certainly a lot faster, bigger than what they were the last time we played them.”

This transformation, Pittman believes, is partly due to Texas’ mastery of NIL. “I think NIL has certainly changed the game with a lot of people,” Pittman remarked. “But I think they took full advantage of that — obviously they’re the University of Texas, so they have a strong brand.”

Pittman also praised Sarkisian’s keen understanding of what his team needed to succeed, particularly in terms of speed, size, and depth. “I think Sark knew exactly what he needed, and he’s built it that way coming from Alabama and he’s been in the league,” Pittman said. “He went out and got it. And it was size, and it was certainly speed.”

One area where Texas has particularly excelled, Pittman noted, is at the quarterback position. Sarkisian has cultivated depth there, giving Texas multiple options under center. “Everybody knows you gotta have a quarterback, and he’s got two of them, maybe three. I’ve seen two of them that are extremely good players,” Pittman said with a touch of envy (though he has two pretty good quarterbacks himself).

For Arkansas, limiting Texas’ success on offense will mean controlling the Longhorns’ speed and forcing plays back inside rather than allowing them to break to the outside. The Arkansas defense will need to stay disciplined and ensure Texas doesn’t create opportunities in open space.

The historic rivalry between Arkansas and Texas adds an extra layer of significance to this game. Pittman has made it a priority to show his team footage from games ranging from 1964 to 2021.

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Pittman’s respect for Texas’ growth and Sarkisian’s vision is clear, and he understands the challenges Arkansas will face against a team that has embraced speed, size, and depth in all facets. With Texas now faster and more experienced, Arkansas will need to bring its best to compete with a Longhorns team that was built to exact revenge from 2021.