![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/1200x628-final-8.png?width=600)
via Imago
Credits: Imago
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/1200x628-final-8.png?width=600)
via Imago
Credits: Imago
Is Steve Sarkisian going to make Nick Saban eat his own words? More often than not, negative narratives serve as fuel for better performance. The Texas Longhorns already got a bruise from the retired Alabama HC who didn’t think their transition to a new conference would be fruitful. But would it?
Texas and Oklahoma are the newcomers in the SEC this season as they joined the existing 14 programs. Sarkisian’s team has been under constant scrutiny as it is a relatively successful program that dominated the Big 12 last season. Despite their success, Nick Saban’s reality check on the Longhorns stole the attention of college football. But is a shocker in the form of Texas on its way to humble the SEC powerhouses like Alabama and Georgia?
Many feel Georgia could be the best SEC team this season, but that’s not what everyone thinks. On July 22’s YouTube episode of Late Kick with Josh Pate, he lauded Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs, but they were not his favorite to win the SEC. Even SEC powerhouse Alabama, under new head coach Kalen DeBoer, fell short of his confidence for the 2024 season. Instead, he said, “I got Texas winning the SEC which I don’t need to tell anyone would be a pretty big story but as of right now, I got Texas winning the SEC.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-01-02T062847Z_2009919542_MT1USATODAY22208027_RTRMADP_3_NCAA-FOOTBALL-SUGAR-BOWL-TEXAS-AT-WASHINGTON.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 1, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) greets Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) after the Texas Longhorns beat the Washington Huskies in the 2024 Sugar Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Polls of the day
Poll 1 of 5
Do you think Steve Sarkisian can outsmart Nick Saban and dominate the SEC?
Absolutely
No way
Maybe, but it's a long shot
Only time will tell
What do you think is the most intriguing aspect of Alex Singleton's relationship with Sam Amberik?
Her career
Their love story
How they met
Their future plans
Whats your Perspective on:
Can Steve Sarkisian really dethrone Nick Saban and redefine SEC dominance? What do you think?
Have an interesting take?
How do you feel about Nick Saban's potential political future?
Excited
Worried
Indifferent
Angry
Do you think Xavier Worthy will become a key player for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Absolutely
Maybe
Not sure
No way
For a new team to win the conference title will come with lots of pressure and drawbacks. Georgia and Alabama usually dominate the SEC, with their latest wins in 2022 and 2023, respectively. So, when Texas entered the conference with a lot of buzz that they could dominate it in their first year, not many people, including Nick Saban, took it cheerfully.
Nick Saban’s thoughts on Texas’ potential SEC dominance
During his appearance on SEC Now on July 15, Nick Saban didn’t have to think twice about his feelings for Texas as they joined the SEC. The 72-year-old said, “What kind of tickles me is all these people asking these questions about how Texas always ran the conference they were in. They’re not gonna run the SEC.” It’s a direct hit on Sarkisian and the Longhorns who defeated him and Alabama 34-24 last season.
True, it’s not going to be a walk in the park for the Longhorns this season as five SEC teams won at least 10 games last season. But Texas is also loaded with talents, especially in starting QB Quinn Ewers who recorded 3,497 yards and 22 TDs in their 12-2 season last year. Their future in the SEC will remain shrouded in mystery until the real action begins in a month.
Debate
Can Steve Sarkisian really dethrone Nick Saban and redefine SEC dominance? What do you think?