Steve Sarkisian is aware of how big things are going to go for Texas. The Longhorns will play Texas A&M in College Station to end the regular season after defeating Kentucky 31–14. Although this will be Texas’ 119th meeting with the Aggies, this is going to be their first encounter since 2011. Texas has a lot at risk, aside from the rivalry being renewed. If it wins, it will go to the SEC Title Game on December 7 in Atlanta. Regardless of what transpires in Atlanta, a victory might also, informally, guarantee a position in playoffs. Amidst all these, leading up to the Texas vs Texas A&M game, the head coach of the Longhorns voiced concerns about a factor beyond their control.

Anwar Richardson’s X post reports that Sarkisian is concerned about the Texas-Texas A&M game splitting Texas’s loyalty next week. The coach basically stated, “The game is the game as far as what are we trying to accomplish to win that game to get to the SEC Championship Game? But, I’m not naive to know the rivalry is the rivalry, and what this game means to the entire state of Texas, and households being divided Thanksgiving weekend.” 

As significant opportunities await the program following this battle, it merely shows Sarkisian’s concern despite his drive to win at any cost. In case you were unaware, the Texas-Texas A&M rivalry, sometimes known as the Lone Star Showdown, has remained dormant since the Longhorns’ 27–25 victory in Austin in 2011. Before switching to the SEC, that was the Aggies’ last campaign in the Big 12. Conversely, the Longhorns technically joined the SEC on July 1st, but when it was initially announced in 2021 that it was leaving the Big 12 to join the SEC, the re-emergence of Texas-Texas A&M was one of the primary topics of conversation once the dust settled.

As of now, the lead-up to Saturday will be significant not only because these two are playing each other but also because of the stakes for the visiting team after 13 years of horseplay between the two teams, which has resulted in zero non-conference meetings between them. When discussing stakes, their playoff picture comes first. How do you feel about Texas’ chances of making the playoffs? What if we told you something that could ruin their chances of making the playoffs, even though they are now ranked No. 2?

The playoff outlook for Steve Sarkisian

The Longhorns are approaching the end of the season on a balance board, and to be honest, it makes one wonder, “Will they? Or won’t they?” The Longhorns are now in second place in the rankings with a 9-1 record, but to be honest, many are beginning to doubt their chances of making the playoffs. Sure, they were fantastic for days, but that home loss to the Bulldogs and their finest victory in a thrilling matchup with Vanderbilt? Yes, that does not appear to be good.

The situation for the program will get much more chaotic if they lose at Texas A&M. If Texas makes a mistake versus A&M, the true drama starts. But that game hasn’t arrived yet. However, the Longhorns will therefore not have an easy ride. Safe to say, the squad struggle to sustain a steady attack, which is evident from their quarterback’s uneasiness. The issue still stands; is the concern surrounding Steve Sarkisian merely conjecture, or will it come to pass? What do you think?

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