Steve Sarkisian, the head football coach of the University of Texas Longhorns, has been vocal in recent weeks about the areas his team must improve if they are to secure a College Football Playoff (CFP) title. As the Longhorns continue their ascent toward national prominence under Sarkisian’s leadership, the pressures of winning a national championship have become undeniable. The 2023 season has shown promise, but it’s clear to Sarkisian that there are crucial areas of improvement if the team is to succeed in the high-stakes environment of the College Football Playoff.
The Longhorns’ 2023 season has featured a blend of impressive victories, including a thrilling win over Alabama in Tuscaloosa, but also moments of vulnerability. Sarkisian’s analysis of the team’s performance highlights the fine margins that separate a good season from a championship one. As he prepares his team for the possibility of making the CFP, he knows that even the smallest weaknesses will be exposed on the national stage. For Texas to capture its first CFP title, Sarkisian knows there are several key issues that must be addressed.
1. Consistency on Both Sides of the Ball
One of the most pressing concerns for Sarkisian is the consistency of both the offense and the defense. The Longhorns have demonstrated their explosive potential on offense, especially through the combination of quarterback Quinn Ewers and running back Jonathon Brooks. Ewers, a talented quarterback with a strong arm, has shown flashes of brilliance, but he has also been inconsistent at times. The ability to execute under pressure, especially in critical moments, will be essential in the College Football Playoff. Sarkisian has emphasized the importance of reducing turnovers and maintaining offensive efficiency.
Similarly, the defense, led by coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, has had strong outings but has occasionally faltered, particularly in the secondary. Texas has the talent to compete with the best teams in the nation, but consistency in their defensive schemes and tackling has been a concern. Sarkisian has made it clear that the Longhorns must tighten up their defensive play if they are to withstand the pressure of facing some of the most potent offenses in college football.
2. Executing Under Pressure
Another significant area that Sarkisian has identified is the team’s ability to execute under pressure, particularly in high-stakes games. In the heat of the moment, the Longhorns have occasionally struggled with the mental aspects of the game—whether it’s maintaining composure during a two-minute drill, executing a critical third-down conversion, or responding to a momentum shift. Sarkisian is acutely aware that the CFP will feature teams that can exploit any mental lapses or mistakes.
In his public comments, Sarkisian has emphasized the need for his players to develop mental toughness. This involves more than just physical preparation—it’s about learning how to stay focused when the stakes are highest. He has been working with his players to build a mindset that fosters resilience, confidence, and an unwavering belief in the game plan, even when the game becomes tense.
3. Special Teams Play
While often overlooked, special teams have become a crucial area of focus for Sarkisian. In a playoff environment, every phase of the game becomes important, and mistakes on special teams can be game-changers. Texas has experienced some challenges with its special teams unit, particularly in kick coverage and return situations. Sarkisian knows that the difference between winning and losing can often come down to a key special teams play, whether it’s a return for a touchdown, a blocked kick, or poor field positioning after a punt.
Sarkisian has been vocal about the importance of improving special teams. In his analysis, he has pointed to the need for more precise execution, particularly in terms of alignment, blocking, and coverage. Whether it’s getting better hang time on punts or executing a well-designed return, Sarkisian understands that success on special teams will help set the tone for the team’s overall performance. Given how tight playoff games can be, Texas must be flawless in this phase if they are to compete for a national title.
4. Depth and Injuries
Injuries have always been a concern in college football, and for a team like Texas, with national title aspirations, the depth of the roster will be tested in the postseason. Sarkisian knows that making a deep run in the CFP requires not only having star players who can make plays but also having capable backups who can step up when needed. The physical toll of an entire season, combined with the increased intensity of playoff football, means that Texas will need to rely on its depth.
Sarkisian has been closely monitoring the health of his key players, knowing that injuries in crucial positions could derail the Longhorns’ hopes of winning a title. Having a deep rotation, particularly in the trenches on both offense and defense, will be vital in ensuring that the Longhorns can withstand the physicality of playoff football. Additionally, players in the secondary and at wide receiver must be ready to contribute in the event of an injury to a starter. Sarkisian’s ability to develop depth and keep his players fresh will be critical to Texas’ championship aspirations.
5. Recruitment and Player Development
Sarkisian’s success at Texas isn’t just tied to the players already on the roster, but also to his ability to recruit and develop future stars. Recruiting at a high level is crucial if Texas is to maintain its competitiveness in the ever-changing landscape of college football. Sarkisian has worked hard to assemble a talented and diverse recruiting class, and the development of these players will be a key factor in Texas’ ability to sustain success over the long term.
The Longhorns’ recruiting efforts have already paid dividends, with a number of highly touted players contributing to the team’s success. Sarkisian has been particularly focused on building a well-rounded roster, with depth at every position. The ability to recruit and develop players who can make an immediate impact in the postseason is essential for Texas as they look to compete at the highest level. Whether it’s a freshman stepping into a key role or a player making a leap in their development, Sarkisian’s player development program will be a central factor in Texas’ championship hopes.
6. Game Management and Play Calling
Steve Sarkisian is known for his offensive mind, and his ability to call plays in high-pressure situations will be put to the test in the College Football Playoff. In close games, the margin for error is razor-thin, and Sarkisian has to be on top of his game in terms of decision-making. This includes managing the clock, making the right calls in crucial situations, and ensuring that his team doesn’t waste scoring opportunities.
In interviews, Sarkisian has stressed the importance of staying patient and trusting the game plan. He knows that playoff games often come down to execution in the final moments, and he has worked with his team to develop a level of confidence and trust in the system. This is especially true on offense, where Sarkisian’s ability to adjust to defensive schemes and create mismatches will be critical.
7. Tackling the Mentality of Winning a National Championship
Sarkisian has repeatedly talked about the mentality that winning a national championship requires. This mindset is about more than just having the physical talent—it’s about a relentless belief in the team’s ability to overcome adversity and rise to the occasion. As Texas heads into the postseason, Sarkisian is working to instill a championship mentality in his players. This involves creating a culture of excellence, where every practice and every game is an opportunity to improve and get closer to the ultimate goal.
Sarkisian understands the weight of the task ahead, but he is confident in his team’s ability to rise to the challenge. For the Longhorns, winning a national championship isn’t just about talent—it’s about mental toughness, discipline, and an unyielding belief in themselves.
