Steve Sarkisian’s Instant Reaction Saves Texas From A&M Chaos After Michigan-Ohio State Brawl Warning

Rivalry Week in college football often resembles a battlefield, where emotions run high, egos clash, and decorum takes a back seat. It might be the new normal, and Week 14 was no exception, with Michigan and Ohio State setting the tone early by trading blows—literally. The Buckeyes players charging the yellow flags like raging bulls spared no one. But while chaos unfolded elsewhere, Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian decided his team would take the high road, even under Aggieland’s glaring spotlight.

“Steve Sarkisian on stopping Texas players from stomping on the A&M logo: ‘I just watched Michigan and Ohio State get in a brawl from my hotel room,’” said the X post, which was brought to our notice by The Athletic reporter Chris Vannini. “Said it wasn’t something they should do,” the post added. Sarkisian’s quick thinking prevented what could have been an unsightly escalation in one of the nation’s most anticipated rivalry games. It wasn’t just about winning; it was about upholding the Longhorns’ reputation and proving that Texas could rise above the noise.

Noise, of course, was an issue—literally. Texas A&M, already known for its hostile crowd, took things up a notch by using music as a distraction during Texas’ offensive plays. ABC sideline reporter Holly Rowe revealed Sarkisian’s frustration on air. “Steve Sarkisian is furious with the officials,” Rowe said during the third quarter. “Texas A&M keeps playing music during [Texas’] offensive series. It ran all the way to two seconds left on the play clock. His offense can’t hear anything.” Sarkisian demanded intervention, setting the tone for what Texas football expects: fair play, not chaos.

This clash of approaches highlights the stark contrast between these bitter rivals. On one side, Texas A&M weaponized crowd antics to disrupt its opponent. On the other hand, Sarkisian demonstrated that winning extends beyond the scoreboard—it’s about maintaining poise when provoked. By addressing the music issue through officials instead of retaliating, he sent a message that leadership is about calculated responses, not emotional reactions.

The championship-bound Longhorns ultimately silenced Kyle Field with their play on the field, securing a 17-7 dominant victory. Quinn Ewers, battling a high ankle sprain, rushed for 25 yards in five carries and led the team with 218 passing yards as the Texas defense suffocated the Aggies’ offense. Yet, the night’s defining moment wasn’t a touchdown or a sack—it was Sarkisian’s refusal to let his team get dragged into the muck of rivalry theatrics. While coach Sarkisian was done turning his doubters into believers, mid-game, he earned another star on his shoulder, this time from the late dear Ben’s dad, Kirk Herbstreit.

Kirk Herbstreit joined hands to praise Steve Sarkisian for his classy gesture

The record-holder against the Aggies, to this date, made sure to keep the celebration classy and avoid unnecessary drama. As the Longhorns players began celebrating on the field, Sarkisian swiftly gathered his team and steered them away from the Aggies’ logo. His move was a preemptive strike against any potential tension, ensuring sportsmanship took center stage.

The moment didn’t go unnoticed. ESPN’s legendary duo on the mic, Kirk Herbstreit and Chris Fowler, praised Sark’s leadership, with Herbstreit commending him for showing restraint and Fowler emphasizing the importance of focusing on future victories. This is how you celebrate with dignity! “Good job by Sark — off the logo, off the logo, no need for that,” Herbstreit said. “We can celebrate in other areas. That’s how you handle that. Go take (your victory).”

Added Fowler: “Take your victory and flip it forward and play for bigger things now.” In a weekend filled with brawls and bad blood, Sarkisian’s composure was a breath of fresh air.