The stage is set for an electrifying matchup between two powerhouse programs in college football: the Texas Longhorns and the Ohio State Buckeyes. As the two teams prepare to square off, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian is embracing a mindset that many may find surprising, considering his team’s talent and high expectations. He’s adopting the underdog mentality, a strategic approach that focuses on working from a position of perceived disadvantage. But why would Sarkisian, whose team has consistently been a top contender in the Big 12 and is loaded with talent, choose to embrace the role of the underdog against a team like Ohio State, a perennial national contender?
The answer lies in understanding the psychology of coaching and motivation in the world of college football, as well as the dynamics of a matchup between two teams with rich traditions. For Sarkisian, embracing the underdog mentality is not about admitting weakness but rather about harnessing the power of external expectations and turning them into fuel for his team’s fire.
Let’s dive into why Steve Sarkisian is embracing the underdog mentality against Ohio State and how it could play a pivotal role in the Texas Longhorns’ quest for victory.
Texas vs. Ohio State: A Clash of Titans
Before exploring why Sarkisian has adopted this mindset, let’s first acknowledge what a monumental game this is for the Texas Longhorns. Ohio State, led by one of the most successful head coaches in college football, Ryan Day, has been a national powerhouse for years. The Buckeyes are consistently among the top-ranked teams in the nation and have produced some of the best players in college football history. From Heisman-winning quarterbacks to an array of NFL talent, Ohio State’s pedigree is undeniable.
In contrast, Texas has been rebuilding its program after years of inconsistency. While the Longhorns have had flashes of brilliance, they’ve been unable to maintain sustained excellence over the past decade. After hiring Steve Sarkisian in 2021, Texas has made strides under his leadership, but the team is still looking to return to the elite level it once enjoyed in the mid-2000s.
Despite having a top-tier roster with players like Bijan Robinson, Quinn Ewers, and Xavier Worthy, Texas is still not considered to be in the same tier as Ohio State. The Longhorns enter this matchup with a sense of hunger and determination to prove they belong in the conversation of college football’s best teams. Sarkisian, however, knows that a key to motivation and success may lie in turning the focus inward rather than on the expectations of others.
The Underdog Mentality: A Tactical Advantage
In many ways, adopting the underdog mentality allows Sarkisian to create a psychological advantage for his team. When a team is perceived as the underdog, there’s an inherent sense of defiance that can fuel the players. It’s the classic narrative of fighting for respect, for validation, and for the right to prove doubters wrong. This mentality allows Sarkisian to shift the focus of his players from the weight of expectations to the fire that burns from within.
In Texas’ case, Sarkisian’s embrace of the underdog mindset is not based on a lack of talent but on using the outside world’s perception of the Longhorns as an advantage. While Ohio State is favored in the matchup due to its established legacy and success, Sarkisian can use the role of the underdog to inspire a sense of grit and determination in his players. It’s about cultivating an attitude of playing with a chip on your shoulder, playing with nothing to lose, and proving to the world that you belong on the big stage.
By framing the game as a David vs. Goliath scenario, Sarkisian can inspire his team to fight for every inch and push past the pressures that come with high expectations. Sometimes, the best motivation comes not from being told you’re great but from being told that you aren’t quite good enough yet.
Sarkisian’s Experience and Strategy
Steve Sarkisian is no stranger to the pressure cooker of big-time college football. Before taking over at Texas, he served as head coach at Washington and USC, and his offensive prowess has been evident throughout his career. Known for developing high-powered offenses, Sarkisian has worked with some of the most dynamic quarterbacks and offenses in the country.
One of his key strategies against elite teams like Ohio State is to take what the defense gives him and capitalize on the strengths of his offense. In the past, Sarkisian’s offenses have been known for their ability to adapt and remain versatile. Whether it’s a powerful rushing attack, quick-strike passing game, or creative play-calling, Sarkisian’s schemes keep defenses guessing.
Against a team like Ohio State, whose defense has traditionally been one of the best in college football, Texas will need to be inventive and dynamic in its approach. Sarkisian will likely lean into his play-calling acumen, using motion, misdirection, and a diverse set of formations to keep the Buckeyes on their heels. By embracing the underdog mentality, he may also take more calculated risks, knowing that his team may not get the same level of respect from Ohio State as they would from an evenly-matched opponent. In other words, Sarkisian can be more aggressive, knowing that his players are expected to play with a sense of urgency.
Motivating Texas Players: From Stars to Unsung Heroes
While Texas boasts several elite players, including quarterback Quinn Ewers, wide receiver Xavier Worthy, and linebacker Jaylan Ford, Sarkisian’s embrace of the underdog mentality isn’t just about motivating the stars. It’s about getting the entire roster to buy into the idea that everyone has a role to play in the upset. In big games like this, it’s often the unsung heroes who make the difference. Whether it’s a backup wide receiver stepping up with a key touchdown or a defensive lineman forcing a critical turnover, the underdog mentality creates a sense of team unity and collective belief that anything is possible.
Sarkisian will likely preach to his players that every single play matters, and that even the smallest of moments can flip the momentum in their favor. The underdog narrative helps players stay focused on the task at hand, knowing that no moment is too small to make an impact.
The Power of Defying Expectations
There’s a special power in defying expectations. For Texas, this game against Ohio State is more than just a matchup of two talented teams—it’s an opportunity to show the college football world that they’re back. It’s about proving that the Longhorns are no longer a sleeping giant but a program ready to reassert itself among the nation’s elite. Sarkisian knows that this game could be the defining moment of the season, and by adopting the underdog mindset, he’s setting the stage for his players to perform at their best under the brightest lights.
Ohio State may have the pedigree, the tradition, and the rankings, but Texas has something that can’t be measured by stats or history: the will to prove itself. And with Sarkisian leading the charge, that will to succeed could just propel the Longhorns to a monumental victory.
Conclusion
As the Texas Longhorns prepare to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes, Steve Sarkisian’s embrace of the underdog mentality provides a powerful psychological weapon. By positioning Texas as the team with everything to prove, Sarkisian is motivating his players to play with urgency, passion, and a relentless drive to defy expectations. It’s a strategy that relies on the belief that, when the chips are down, the underdog has the hunger and grit to rise to the occasion.
For Texas, this is more than just another game; it’s an opportunity to cement their place as a legitimate contender in college football. And with Sarkisian leading the charge, the Longhorns will no doubt bring the fight to Ohio State, embracing the underdog role as a way to fuel their desire to prove that they are ready to compete with the nation’s best.
