College football programs teach us something new every other day. For now, it’s Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns who are doing the honors. Bitter rivalry, treating opponents as weak, and badmouthing about them have been a common sight in college football, right? That’s when Sarkisian thought of breaking away from the trend.

The Texas HC has some immense respect for the Arizona State Sun Devils. The New Year’s Day is gearing up for the Peach Bowl as the old Big 12 champs meet the new Big 12 champs. Well, we don’t know who will be the winner. But both Sarkisian and Sun Devils HC Kenny Dillingham have already won hearts by spreading some good and positive vibes. 

The Longhorns won the Big 12 title last year before joining the SEC. It was still swinging open when the Sun Devils waltzed in and won the league title in its debut season. The journey for both Sarkisian and Dillingham’s squad has been somewhat similar. Both the programs had their doubters and had to prove themselves “ready” for their new conference. So in that case, there should be a neck-to-neck rivalry, right?

Surprisingly, that’s not the case. On the flip side, despite media attempts to downplay Arizona State’s Big 12 Championship victory, Sarkisian has turned dead ears to any such misleading bias. Rather, the Longhorns HC switched into a praising mode. In an interview with CBS Sports, Sarkisian said, giving props to the Sun Devils, “This is a heck of a challenge. You don’t—you’re not a conference championship team, especially in the Big 12.”

He then compared Arizona State with the Longhorns, “I want to remind everybody, we were in that Big 12, what, for 27 years? We won four. This is their first year in and they won a Big 12 Championship. It’s a really hard thing to do. They’re playing with a ton of confidence right now…and that’s a credit to Coach Dillingham and their staff.” Even though Texas is heavily favored in the matchup, opening up with a 12.5-point line, the Longhorns are not treating Arizona State lightly.  

After all, Sarkisian could feel the talent it demands to win the Big 12 championship. So, Dillingham’s team, coming in as a surprise conference champion, is definitely going to be a tough opponent in the CFP quarterfinals. As the Texas HC stated, “And doing it in their first year in the conference, his second year at Arizona State, is a heck of an accomplishment.” Now what does Dillingham have to say? 

Why Steve Sarkisian cannot overlook Arizona State?

Did you know that Dillingham looks up to Sarkisian’s coaching strategy and studies his tactics? Well, that’s what the Arizona State HC had to say in the press conference before the Peach Bowl. In his opening statement, Dillingham said, “In terms of Coach Sarkisian, his program, it’s remarkable where he’s taken that program.” 

He continued, “He’s a guy that I think everybody on offense has studied, has watched, has learned from, either having the ability to go meet with him personally or from afar like myself.” Now that goes about coaches praising each other. Looks like the main reason that Sarkisian cannot take the Sun Devils easily is because of a particular player. That’s none other than Dillingham’s star running back, Cam Skattebo. After all, the young chap is currently second in the Big 12 and fifth nationally in rushing. 

The stats actually speak on his behalf—rushing for 1,568 yards to go along with 19 touchdowns. Plus, his 2,074 yards from scrimmage are No. 2 nationally, just behind Boise State Broncos RB and the Heisman runner-up Ashton Jeanty. On that note, Steve Sarkisian said, “Skattebo’s a heck of a player…We didn’t know we were getting ready to play Arizona State, but we’ve been watching them for about the last year and a half, and this guy’s a monster.” So now you know where all the respect for the Sun Devils comes from!