As the Texas Longhorns prepare for a run at the College Football Playoff (CFP) title, all eyes are on head coach Steve Sarkisian to lead the team through one of the most challenging postseasons in recent memory. Texas enters the CFP with high hopes and a roster full of talent, but with the spotlight shining brightly on them, there’s little room for error. Sarkisian, who has already transformed the Longhorns into a national contender, is now faced with the daunting task of making the necessary adjustments to ensure that his team is ready to claim a national championship.
While Sarkisian has certainly brought the Longhorns back into relevance, there’s a growing realization that several critical areas must be addressed for Texas to have a legitimate shot at the title. Let’s dive into the issues that need to be fixed if the Longhorns are going to live up to the hype and finish the season as champions.
1. Improving Consistency on Offense
Steve Sarkisian’s offensive system has undeniably made the Longhorns one of the more dynamic teams in college football. With a blend of high-powered passing and a dominant run game, Texas has shown the ability to score in bunches and put up points against some of the toughest teams. However, for all the offensive talent and potential, consistency has often been elusive. In crucial moments, Texas has occasionally struggled to sustain drives, make key plays, and close out games.
While the Longhorns have one of the best running backs in the nation in Bijan Robinson, and a capable quarterback in Quinn Ewers, the offense has often gone quiet at critical moments. Against elite defenses like those found in the CFP, consistency is key. Teams in the playoff are battle-tested, and they’ll capitalize on any lapse in performance.
Sarkisian’s system is built on explosiveness, but he must find a way to make the offense more methodical and less prone to streaky play. Texas has to find ways to execute efficiently, especially in short-yardage situations, and avoid costly turnovers that can derail momentum. In the playoff, where every possession matters, Texas cannot afford to sputter on offense for long stretches. Sarkisian will need to ensure his offense is clicking on all cylinders, avoiding lapses that could let playoff-caliber teams seize control.
2. Quarterback Play and Decision Making
Speaking of the offense, one of the biggest concerns heading into the playoff is the performance of quarterback Quinn Ewers. Ewers has shown flashes of brilliance, showcasing his arm strength and ability to make spectacular throws down the field. However, his decision-making has been inconsistent at times. At the college football elite level, where teams like Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio State await in the playoff, poor quarterback play can spell disaster.
Ewers has to develop more consistency with his reads, show better control of the football, and make quick, smart decisions in high-pressure situations. In particular, Texas cannot afford to fall behind early due to turnovers or missed opportunities in the passing game. While Robinson can shoulder much of the offensive burden, Ewers will need to make plays when called upon — especially in crucial moments.
Sarkisian’s offense relies heavily on an efficient quarterback, and if Ewers can find a rhythm, it will elevate the entire offense. A strong showing from the quarterback will open up opportunities for the run game and help Texas keep up with the offensive juggernauts they’ll face in the playoff. But this will require Ewers to demonstrate a level of maturity and focus that has sometimes been lacking.
3. Defensive Playmaking and Pass Rush
The Texas defense has made strides under Sarkisian’s tenure, but there is still room for improvement if the Longhorns are to contend for a national title. While the defensive line has been solid, Texas has struggled at times to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback. Against high-powered offenses like the ones they’ll face in the CFP, a lack of a pass rush can be catastrophic.
The defense has the talent, with players like defensive end Barryn Sorrell and linebacker Jaylan Ford leading the charge, but they must create more disruption in the backfield. Quarterbacks in the playoff will not be rattled by a passive defense. In order to compete with the likes of Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio State, Texas must increase their pressure on the opposing quarterbacks and make it difficult for them to settle into a rhythm.
Moreover, Sarkisian will need to ensure that his defensive backs remain disciplined in coverage. While Texas has a talented secondary, against elite offenses, mistakes or blown coverages are quickly exploited. Sarkisian’s defense will need to be disciplined, fast, and aggressive, ensuring that the opposing quarterbacks don’t have all day to throw and that wide receivers don’t find open space deep down the field.
4. Fixing Special Teams Inconsistencies
In the grind of a College Football Playoff run, special teams play can often make the difference between advancing or going home. Texas has shown glimpses of excellence on special teams this year, but they’ve also been plagued by inconsistency. Whether it’s miscommunication on punt returns, missed field goals, or kickoffs that fail to reach the desired depth, Texas cannot afford any such mistakes in the postseason. Every possession is vital, and special teams blunders can prove to be the tipping point in tight playoff games.
Sarkisian will need to ensure that special teams play is precise, reliable, and mistake-free. The Longhorns’ special teams units must execute the fundamentals flawlessly, especially in key moments. This means ensuring that field goal attempts are automatic, punts are placed in advantageous positions, and kickoffs do not give up big returns. Special teams might not get the same attention as the offense and defense, but in the postseason, even the smallest mistake can lead to a costly setback.
5. Mental Toughness and Preparation
The College Football Playoff is an environment unlike any other in college football. The pressure, the intensity, and the stakes are as high as they can possibly be. For Texas to succeed, they need to demonstrate mental toughness and resilience, particularly in high-pressure moments. In big games, where emotions run high, it’s easy for players to get rattled or lose their focus.
Sarkisian must prepare his team mentally to handle adversity. Whether it’s a sudden deficit, a controversial call, or a pivotal moment that tests the team’s will, the Longhorns will need to stay focused and calm under pressure. Sarkisian’s leadership and ability to keep his players grounded will be essential. With such a talented roster, the Longhorns can compete with any team in the country — but only if they stay mentally strong.
Texas’ ability to perform when the pressure is on will be one of the defining factors in their playoff journey. Sarkisian must instill a sense of poise and focus in his players, ensuring that they don’t get overwhelmed by the moment and remain locked in on their game plan.
6. Injury Management and Depth
The depth of Texas’ roster will play a critical role in their playoff run. Injuries are inevitable in a season as grueling as college football, and teams that can manage those injuries and maintain a high level of play are often the ones who emerge as champions. Texas has a strong roster, but they must ensure that key players, especially on the offensive and defensive lines, stay healthy and fresh.
Sarkisian will need to manage his team’s workload carefully to keep players healthy throughout the intense stretch of playoff games. With a solid bench, the Longhorns must lean on their depth to handle the rigors of the postseason, and Sarkisian must ensure that backup players are prepared to step up in critical moments.
Conclusion: Sarkisian’s Task is Clear
Steve Sarkisian has built a talented team at Texas, but to win the College Football Playoff title, there are critical areas that need to be addressed. Improving offensive consistency, enhancing quarterback play, generating more pass rush, fixing special teams, and fostering mental toughness will be crucial. If Sarkisian can make the necessary adjustments, the Longhorns have the potential to claim the national championship. The road to the title is long and challenging, but with the right fixes, Texas can end the season on top.
