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There are no signs Texas is overlooking Arizona State

by:Justin Nash•12/31/24
Jahdae Barron
Jahdae Barron (Will Gallagher/Inside Texas)

Many national media members have expressed concern about Texas looking ahead of its opponent on New Years Day. Are those concerns legit? What examples can we look back on in the season to possibly get an idea of how this Texas team operates?

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One of the greatest qualities a national champion can possess is the ability to play the same week-in-and-week-out regardless of the opponent. In the 12 team playoff that will be more than necessary, it is unlikely for a team to rely on luck to make it through. This is a quality that the Texas staff preaches and spreads through the locker room.

Just about anytime a microphone was in front of Jahdae Barron, he took that opportunity to let people know the team was moving on from their victory over Clemson and celebrations had stopped. In fact after giving up 24 points to the Tigers, Barron said he called Michael Taaffe four hours after the final snap saying “we need to get better. We need to get back to work”.

This is a team full of players who had the taste of almost playing in the national championship in their mouth this time last year. They do not intend on being sent home for a second New Year’s Day in a row. They have been motivated all season long. Every single time the Longhorns have taken the mic, even when baited, they have remained respectful of their opponent. That has held true all of 2024.

There were multiple games billed as trap games throughout the year, depending on who you asked. Mississippi State was going to welcome Texas into the SEC with the Longhorns looking ahead to Oklahoma and Georgia. Or Kentucky when the Wildcats were sandwiched in between Arkansas and Texas A&M. Every possible trap game you can think of, Texas has shown up ready and hasn’t underestimated the opponents’ ability.

It sure doesn’t sound like Texas is looking past the Sun Devils, just listen to the players and coaches.

“No. I expect it to be a tough game,” Steve Sarkisian said earlier this week. “They’re a really good team. Like I said, a ton of respect for them, how they’ve built this program. A ton of respect for how their team plays the game.. .I think that’s a sign of great leadership, whether it’s from the staff or from the leaders on their team. So we’re expecting a tough game. That’s for sure. It’s going to be a war.”

Said Taaffe about Cam Skattebo, the Sun Devils main offensive threat: “The way that he can be so versatile as a running back, jump cutting, running people over, spin move, he’s got the whole package. And then he leads the team in receptions as a passing threat, too, No. 0 being injured the last couple of games. So he’s just a guy that can do it all, and clearly they call his name and he’s ready to play every single Saturday. So I’m excited for that challenge.”

Anthony Hill said this: “They’re a good football team and we kind of don’t want to think about that (2024 Sugar Bowl) all over again. We want to move on and just get ready to go.”

And finally, here’s what Barron said: “They’re amazing they have an amazing coach and you can tell they play for one another. You can tell when you turn on the tape.”

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It is clear this Texas team has a lot of respect for their opponent, and worrying about them overlooking a team is likely a fool’s errand.

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