Steve Sarkisian reveals the Longhorns’ emotional state getting ready for College Football Playoffs
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian used a descriptive term Monday that deviated from his norm. He said the Longhorns were “giddy.” Sarkisian gave the players last Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday off and the Longhorns returned to the field last Thursday. He had to challenge them to refocus on Friday and come with the right mental intensity, […]
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian used a descriptive term Monday that deviated from his norm. He said the Longhorns were “giddy.”
Sarkisian gave the players last Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday off and the Longhorns returned to the field last Thursday. He had to challenge them to refocus on Friday and come with the right mental intensity, “and they really responded.”
Yes, hosting a first-round game against No. 12 seed Clemson (10-3) in the College Football Playoffs can make anyone giddy.
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“This has been a long journey, and one that I think we’ve done a nice job of navigating where I don't feel like our players are burnt out,” Sarkisian said. “I do feel like we’ve got a ton of energy.
“I do feel like they’re hungry. I want them looking for more food. You know, I don’t want to be force-feeding them. And they definitely are feeling that way.”
Texas players met with reporters on Monday like it was a normal home game week. There was nothing really outside the norm, other than every player was wearing new black CFP sweatshirts. Sarkisian also spoke with a black “CFP First Round” logo draped behind him instead of the normal burnt orange.
If there’s anyone who feels game 14 is too much, center Jake Majors has a clear message.
“There are 12 teams right now who have the opportunity to play for a national championship,” Majors said. “And if there’s someone on this team that has burnout right now, with a national championship in sight, I don't really have much to tell him.
“This is really what you play for. All the personal awards, all that stuff is nice, but the ultimate team goal is still in front of us. So that's all I gotta say.”
