What could be more inspiring and empowering than beating a former mentor with your own program? A lot has happened for Steve Sarkisian in 2023 in his third year as the head coach in Texas. Playing last season for the last time under the Big 12, the Longhorns enter the SEC conference with several records to boast about. One of these includes the epic game where he triumphed over his former coach Nick Saban when Texas beat Alabama in Week 2. But that wasn’t all.

Steve Sarkisian and Texas then defeated Oklahoma State 49-21 to win the Big 12 Championship. They entered the CFP as the No. 3 seed, ultimately losing 37-31 to the Washington Huskies, who also lost to the 2023 National Champion Michigan. Still, that was a season to remember and be inspired from, as Sarkisian observed. 

Texas boasts as the first team to beat the 2023 National Champions when they defeated the Wolverines in Week 2 with a dominant 31-12 record. Following this big win, Sarkisian used their history and record to motivate his team in an X post by The Next Round on September 9. Confidence emanated from his words as he flexed, “We’ve gone into Tuscaloosa and played and won, we’ve played in the Big 12 Championship game, we’ve played in the College Football playoff and none of the moments should feel too big for us any more.”

Steve Sarkisian also didn’t remain in the locker room as he huddled his players for a pep talk that went — “We have a formula for success. And it doesn’t matter what uniform they wear, it doesn’t matter what helmet they wear… If we prepare right and if we go and play our brand, our style of football, we’re good.” Texas earned the right to blow their horn after crushing Michigan, who was led by former walk-on QB Davis Warren who was chosen over Alex Orji in their QB locker tension. 

Steve Sarkisian’s Longhorns crushed the Wolverines 

It’s an ouch for Michigan who lost their 23-game home winning streak when Texas upset them in Week 2. Also, this defeat marks their first loss in the regular season since October 2021. But considering that Jimmy Harbaugh isn’t leading them anymore and with their QB power struggles, this was expected despite their first 30-10 win against Fresno State. 

QB Quinn Ewers led the Longhorns victory by completing 24 of 36 passes for 246 yards and three TDs. With Michigan out of the way, the only main challenge will happen on October 19 when Texas meets Kirby Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs. Will they safely pass the four games before that big showdown against the No. 1 CFB team? Sarkisian is optimistic for the Longhorns, what about you?