What we learned about college football and why Texas can use this past weekend as a reminder to go 1-0
This past weekend in college football offered a clear reminder that no team, no matter how dominant, is immune to upset. Several highly ranked teams were knocked off course in shocking fashion, including Alabama’s stunning loss to Vanderbilt, Missouri’s dismantling at the hands of Texas A&M, and Tennessee’s unexpected defeat to Arkansas. Michigan also fell to Washington, and Miami barely escaped Cal with a miraculous last-minute win. In addition, SMU pulled off an upset against Louisville, while Minnesota shocked USC.
These results emphasize the unpredictable nature of the sport and the danger of underestimating lower-ranked or unranked opponents. Teams that appeared poised to cruise through their schedules were derailed, showing how crucial it is to maintain consistent preparation, focus, and respect for every opponent throughout the season.
These upsets weren’t isolated incidents either. Other shocking results this season, like Kentucky’s victory over Ole Miss and Northern Illinois’ stunning win over Notre Dame, reinforce that no team is safe if they don’t approach each game with the right mindset. For Texas and head coach Steve Sarkisian, these results serve as a critical lesson: no game can be taken for granted. Sarkisian has consistently emphasized the importance of going 1-0 every week—essentially, treating each game as the most crucial of the season. This weekend’s chaos across college football reinforces this philosophy, reminding the Longhorns that overconfidence and complacency can lead to devastating losses. Sarkisian’s approach stresses that each opponent must be met with full intensity, preparation, and respect, regardless of their ranking or past performances.
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Currently, Texas sits at the top of the rankings, a position that brings both tremendous pressure and significant opportunity. As “hate week” arrives and the heated rivalry game against Oklahoma looms, the Longhorns have a chance to cement their status as national title contenders. However, the recent upsets of teams like Alabama and Tennessee serve as timely warnings: even elite teams can falter if they lose focus or underestimate their opponents. Sarkisian is likely to emphasize the importance of discipline, mental toughness, and strong execution on both defense and special teams to prevent any slip-ups that could jeopardize their promising season. The Red River Showdown is not just a rivalry; it’s a critical test for the Longhorns to show that they can remain consistent in high-stakes situations.
Looking ahead, Texas can use the chaos of this past weekend as powerful motivation. Sarkisian’s mantra of taking each week as a new challenge is now more vital than ever. As they prepare to face Oklahoma, a team equally hungry to prove itself, Texas must remain fully focused to maintain their momentum. By embracing the lessons from recent upsets and staying sharp, Texas can avoid the pitfalls that have plagued other top teams this season. Their ability to continue going 1-0 each week will be the key to ensuring they do not fall victim to the same fate as those who overlooked their opponents. For the Longhorns, every game is now a proving ground as they push toward their national championship goals .
