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For Steve Sarkisian, balancing discipline and ion is a challenging act in the fiery world of college football rivalries. Rivalry weekend turned up the intensity across the sport, with games like Michigan-Ohio State and Alabama-Auburn stealing headlines, but Texas' grudge matches with Oklahomaand Texas A&M had their own share of drama. Sarkisian's public preaching of sportsmanship and discipline often clashes with the chaotic energy of these high-stakes showdowns.
During Texas' 34-3 win over Oklahoma earlier this season, emotions boiled over as Longhorns players planted their flag on Oklahoma's logo, igniting debates about sportsmanship. Yet, in a stark contrast, Sarkisian publicly condemned such antics ahead of their recent 17-7 victory over Texas A&M, sparking mixed reactions from fans and critics alike. His words-"There's a way to win it with class. We shouldn't be on their logo. We shouldn't be planting any flags on their logo"-were both lauded and mocked.
On December 1, Yahoo Sports shared Sarkisian's comments, reigniting conversations about his leadership and consistency. Critics were quick to point out the hypocrisy, with some accusing Sarkisian of selective discipline. Fans of rival teams pounced on his remarks, pointing to the Oklahoma game as evidence that his words didn't align with the actions of his team.
While Sarkisian managed to avoid post-game theatrics against Texas A&M, the lingering memory of the Oklahoma incident tarnished his message. Social media reactions ranged from outright trolling to thoughtful critiques, questioning whether the Longhorns' coach was truly in control of his team or simply spinning a diplomatic narrative for the cameras.
A "disciplined" win over A&M
Despite the off-field drama, the Longhorns put on a composed performance against Texas A&M in their first meeting since the rivalry was renewed. With a convincing 17-7 victory, Texas solidified its status as a serious playoff contender, finishing the regular season with an 11-1 record. Sarkisian's focus on discipline appeared to pay off, as the Longhorns avoided the unsportsmanlike incidents that plagued their earlier games.
Key to the win was the surprising performance of freshman quarterback Arch Manning, who scored the first touchdown and provided a spark in an otherwise lackluster offensive showing. Starting quarterback Quinn Ewers had an average game, raising questions about how Sarkisian will utilize his quarterbacks heading into a potential playoff matchup against powerhouse teams like Georgia.
While the Longhorns' victory over Texas A&M was a crucial step in their postseason aspirations, Sarkisian's leadership continues to draw scrutiny. Critics argue that his handling of the Oklahoma controversy and subsequent remarks reveal inconsistencies in his approach to managing his team's morale and behavior.
Longhorns looking ahead
With the SEC Championship and a potential playoff berth on the horizon, Sarkisian faces a critical test. Can he maintain the discipline showcased against Texas A&M, or will the fiery emotions of rivalry games continue to expose cracks in his leadership? The Longhorns' postseason performance, particularly against elite competition like Georgia, will likely determine whether Sarkisian's balancing act succeeds.
For now, Texas fans are cautiously optimistic. The Longhorns have overcome significant challenges this season, but Sarkisian's ability to manage both on-field execution and off-field dynamics will be key to their ultimate success.