Steve Sarkisian’s Texas Longhorns have had a remarkable start to Week 11 with a solid win over the Vanderbilt Commodores. While they’ve maintained a strong performance throughout the season, climbing to the No. 5 spot in the College Football Playoff rankings, media personality Colin Cowherd has some concerns. In a recent episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Cowherd suggested that Texas might be flying under the radar and avoiding the kind of pressure typically associated with a top team.
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Colin Cowherd’s Criticism: Texas Is ‘Hiding in Plain Sight’
Despite their impressive 7-1 record this season, including a notable victory against Mississippi State and a close win over Michigan, Cowherd believes that Texas is not receiving the attention it deserves. During his segment, Cowherd pointed out that “Nobody’s talking about Texas. They got blown out, everybody sold their stock, and here’s little old Texas quietly with no pressure.” His remark underscores the fact that, even though Texas was outperformed by the Georgia Bulldogs, they’ve flown under the radar ever since. This lack of media scrutiny may actually be beneficial for the Longhorns as they prepare for their next match.
Joel Klatt, another sports analyst, agreed with Cowherd’s assessment, noting that Texas is not getting the attention they normally would at this stage of the season. Klatt commented, “Right now, they’re not getting any [attention].” For a team as talented as Texas, the lack of limelight might work in their favor, allowing them to focus on their game without added distractions. The Longhorns are still seen as one of the most talented teams in college football, with their defense, in particular, standing out.
Texas Longhorns: A Team of Underrated Talent
Cowherd was quick to clarify his position on Texas, stating, “I think this team is still the most talented team in the country.” While their loss to Georgia was a setback, Cowherd still sees Texas as a major threat in college football. Texas has the nation’s No. 1-ranked defense, allowing only 241 yards per game. However, there are still areas where they need to improve, especially if they hope to keep their momentum going through the remainder of the season.
What Went Wrong Against Georgia?
The Longhorns’ only loss of the season came against Georgia, and there were several key factors in that defeat. Texas gave up 326 yards and 21 points to the Bulldogs, along with committing three costly turnovers. These turnovers ultimately derailed their chances of winning the game. Texas struggled offensively, particularly when it came to running the football, an area of concern for both the players and Coach Sarkisian.
Coach Sarkisian himself acknowledged the team’s struggles, pointing out that sometimes players try too hard to make a play, leading to mistakes. As he put it, “Anytime Texas is good, they get way too much attention,” and that constant spotlight can sometimes backfire. He also emphasized the need for the team to stay focused and avoid repeating the same mistakes in upcoming games.
The Road Ahead: Texas vs. Florida Gators
Looking forward to their matchup with the Florida Gators, Coach Sarkisian has a clear plan. He intends to avoid repeating the mistakes made against Georgia. Sarkisian’s primary focus has been on ensuring that his team moves the ball forward with a strong, consistent offensive effort. The Longhorns need to minimize turnovers and maintain their defensive dominance to avoid another upset.
“Our mantra this week is to move the ball forward,” said Sarkisian. This no-nonsense approach reflects his understanding of what went wrong against Georgia and the need for a clean, efficient game plan moving forward. The Longhorns will look to execute this strategy as they aim to extend their winning streak.
Texas’ Strengths and Areas to Focus On
While Texas has excelled defensively, allowing fewer than 250 yards per game, there are still areas that need attention. Their running game, which faltered against Georgia, will need to improve if they hope to maintain offensive balance against tougher teams like Florida. On the other hand, their defense remains a powerhouse, and it will be up to the offense to complement this strength and execute Sarkisian’s strategy effectively.
Can Texas Handle the Pressure in Upcoming Games?
As Texas continues their journey toward a potential playoff spot, the lack of media attention may prove to be an advantage. With fewer eyes on them, the Longhorns can focus on perfecting their game without the distractions of public expectation. However, the pressure will rise as they face tougher opponents, and it will be up to Coach Sarkisian and his players to rise to the occasion.
FAQ
1. What was Colin Cowherd’s criticism of Texas football? Cowherd suggested that Texas is “hiding in plain sight,” meaning the team has been flying under the radar after their loss to Georgia, which has allowed them to play without the usual scrutiny.
2. How has Texas performed this season? Texas is currently 7-1, with their only loss coming against the Georgia Bulldogs. Despite that defeat, they have been praised for their defense, which ranks No. 1 in the nation.
3. What did Coach Steve Sarkisian say about Texas’ performance? Sarkisian acknowledged that Texas made several mistakes in their loss to Georgia, particularly with turnovers and struggles in their running game. He stressed the importance of moving the ball forward in their next game against Florida.
4. How does Texas rank defensively? Texas is ranked No. 1 in the nation in total defense, allowing just 241 yards per game.
5. What’s next for Texas football? Texas will face the Florida Gators next, where Coach Sarkisian will be focused on executing a balanced offensive strategy and avoiding mistakes from their previous games.
