Steve Sarkisian doesn't have many tendencies, but one appears on fourth-down opportunities
On the surface, Steve Sarkisian doesn’t have a lot of scoutable tendencies. However, Texas fans would be quick to tell you Sark has gone for it on fourth down fairly often in 2024.
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Whether that is due to a lack of confidence in the punting or kicking units is irrelevant. Coaches like to use analytics, but Sark really does seem like he is the one calling the shots and has gut-based faith in his offense on fourth downs.
Let’s start off with the obvious, Sark is a coach with an offensive upbringing and he likes to be aggressive with an attacking mentality. It really shows when you look at how consistently he will go for it on fourth down on the opponent’s side of the 50. In fact Sark has only gone for it on fourth down from his own half of the field twice this season.
Once was against Florida on a 4th and 2 early in the game, which stands as the best example of Sark being aggressive. The other instance was against UTSA, again early in the game and on a short distance of 4th and 3. So outside of Sark feeling particularly bold, when the ball is in Texas territory, the punt team normally takes the field (93.9% of the time or 31/33 chances).
When you look at opportunities of 4th and 7 or less at any point on the field, Sark has opted to go for it 20-of-32 times. That alone is a bold 62.5% of the time.
What if you only look at plus territory, or opportunities on the opponent’s half of the field?
When given the opportunity on 4th and 7 or less in plus territory, Sark has only kicked a field goal three times. Sark has gone for it in 18-of-21 chances.
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There are two particular circumstances from the three field goal attempts that stand out. One is from the Kentucky game. Texas had 4th and 2 with 10 seconds left in the first half with the ball snapped from the UK 31. Sark took his points and went to the half.
The second was a 4th and 5 with 1:57 left against Vanderbilt to go up by 10 points. That decision to make it a two-possession game wound up being the winning decision.
To sum it all up, when the ball is on Texas’ half of the 50 and it’s fourth down, feel free to run to the fridge for some leftover dressing and turkey, grab another beer, or take that bathroom break.
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However, if the ball is on the opponent’s half of the field and you see 4th and 7 or less, grab the popcorn and say a prayer. Sark clearly has confidence in his team’s ability to gain the needed yards. After all, his team is currently averaging 6.38 yards per play. If its seven or less, Sark will look for his offense’s best.
