Dose of Hope: Texas HC Steve Sarkisian’s quotes indicate competency
Texas had very fixable issues in the aftermath of the Texas Tech loss. It appears Steve Sarkisian and his staff are working to eliminate those problems.
Texas Tech picked the Longhorns apart with short yardage passes last week, a recurring theme of the Sarkisian era. The theme was most visible on third and fourth down conversions, where Texas allowed Tech free passes to the first down marker. The problem is being addressed this week.
The Texas head coach discussed the extra work the team is putting in on money downs for both sides of the football, among other things. Sarkisian’s confidence also shined through in his media availability on Thursday. He appeared assured that the team is prepared for West Virginia this week.
Here are a few of his quotes from Thursday’s media availability.
Money downs
Steve Sarkisian says they put some extra time this week into 3rd and 4th down defense this week, and also on 3rd down offense to ensure they can extend drives.
— Joe Cook (@josephcook89) September 29, 2022
Players taking initiative
Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian said there was a leadership council meeting on Monday and a players-only meeting on Tuesday. Said the leadership council talked about areas where the team could improve. He thought it was a great sign for his players to take that initiative.
— Anwar Richardson (@AnwarRichardson) September 29, 2022
More opportunistic defense
Sarkisian says his defense has forced a fumble 5-6 times the past two weeks and has not recovered one. Says recovery just a couple would change outcomes of the games.
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_TFB) September 29, 2022
Quarterback decision
Texas' Steve Sarkisian doesn't want to say if Quinn Ewers will start at QB. "It's a valid question. I understand it. But I'm not going to tell you, no."
— Kirk Bohls (@kbohls) September 29, 2022
West Virginia’s offensive threat
Sark on the West Virginia offense: "They tax you from a balance standpoint and then they've got a quarterback (J.T. Daniels) that can make all of the throws." #HookEm
— Jeff Howe (@JeffHowe247) September 29, 2022
Ishmael Ibraheem
When asked about Ishmael Ibraheem's recent arrest, Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian said that anytime you deal with women, it strikes a chord with him and the university. However, he said the school and authorities must do their due diligence.
— Anwar Richardson (@AnwarRichardson) September 29, 2022
West Virginia’s versatility
Sarkisian on WVU: "They're not a one-dimensional team. They force you to defend all aspects of the game."
Mentions balance running with good backs, tall WRs, and the ability of JT Daniels to make "all the throws."
— Joe Cook (@josephcook89) September 29, 2022
Quinn Ewers
Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian said Quinn Ewers wants to play. Said he's wanted to play since the injury against Alabama. Sarkisian said Ewers has gradually improved. He likes the progression Ewers has been making.
— Anwar Richardson (@AnwarRichardson) September 29, 2022
Agiye Hall
Sarkisian said Agiye Hall did the things necessary to lift the suspension and get back.
"I think he's making the right steps to put himself in position to be a real contributor on our offense, and I do think he'll have a role here Sat. as we go into the ballgame."
— Joe Cook (@josephcook89) September 29, 2022
Trust the process
Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian said the noise around his team is like the sky is falling but they are still a good team in his opinion.
— Anwar Richardson (@AnwarRichardson) September 29, 2022
