**Momentum Can Be a Double-Edged Sword: Texas Coach Steve Sarkisian Cautions Team Using Notre Dame as a Lesson**
Momentum in college football can act as both a powerful asset and a potential pitfall, and Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian is keenly aware of its dual nature. Coming off a decisive 31-12 victory over the No. 10 Michigan Wolverines, Sarkisian is determined to keep his team grounded and focused, warning them against the dangers of overconfidence by using Notre Dame as a cautionary tale.
Notre Dame’s recent performance serves as a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in college football. After a notable Week 1 road victory over No. 20 Texas A&M, the Fighting Irish were propelled into the top five and viewed as strong contenders for the College Football Playoff. However, their success was short-lived as they fell to Northern Illinois at home the following week. This surprising upset highlighted the unpredictability of the sport and the importance of maintaining consistent performance.
Sarkisian emphasized the significance of staying level-headed despite their recent success. “Human nature is human nature,” he said in a media briefing. “So what did I do this morning? I walked them through the Notre Dame scenario of the Irish going into College Station a week ago and winning that game and being anointed a top-five team and in the College Football Playoff, then a week later losing to Northern Illinois.” By drawing parallels to Notre Dame’s sudden fall from grace, Sarkisian aims to instill a sense of humility and urgency within his team.
The Longhorns are gearing up to face UTSA at home, where they are heavy favorites with a 34.5-point spread. Despite the favorable odds, Sarkisian is adamant that his players should not underestimate their opponent. He reminded them that no team is immune to upsets and that they must approach every game with the same level of seriousness and preparation.
Sarkisian also reinforced the notion that success is not guaranteed. “I showed them that clip of [Kanon Woodill’s game-winning field goal] and I showed the clip of Northern Illinois storming the field this morning as a good reminder that we’re entitled to nothing,” he stated. “We’re capable of anything. We’ve got a really good team. But we’re entitled to nothing. We’re going to earn everything. And we’ve got to earn the victory here Saturday night.”
The win over Michigan catapulted Texas to No. 2 in the national rankings, marking their highest position since 2009. While Sarkisian wants his team to savor this achievement, he also underscores the importance of maintaining focus and avoiding complacency. A single lapse in concentration, he warns, can lead to unexpected and costly setbacks. As Texas prepares for their upcoming game, the message is clear: stay grounded, stay focused, and continue to earn every victory.
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Texas Coach Steve Sarkisian Points to Notre Dame as a Model…
