
Steve Sarkisian’s tenure as head coach of the Texas Longhorns has been a rollercoaster, marked by flashes of brilliance and moments of sheer frustration. While Texas fans expected the offensive-minded coach to reinvigorate the program, his controversial play calls in crucial moments have repeatedly left supporters scratching their heads.
One of the most significant criticisms levied against Sarkisian is his tendency to overcomplicate plays in high-pressure situations. For example, during a critical third-down play, instead of sticking to a simple ground-and-pound strategy or relying on short, high-percentage passes, Sarkisian often opts for deep, low-probability throws. These risky calls can kill momentum, stall drives, and leave the defense back on the field too quickly. In games where Texas had a clear opportunity to seize control, these play calls often lead to turnovers or missed scoring chances.
Furthermore, Sarkisian’s reluctance to adapt to the flow of the game has also been a point of contention. Against tougher defenses, his commitment to the original game plan, despite mounting evidence that it’s not working, frustrates fans. An inability to pivot to shorter, safer plays or mix in more creative running schemes has cost Texas dearly in games they could have won.
Critics also point to Sarkisian’s game management, particularly in the red zone. Too often, the Longhorns fail to punch it into the end zone, settling for field goals or turning the ball over. In modern college football, finishing drives is critical, and Sarkisian’s play-calling in these moments has left much to be desired.
In a competitive conference like the Big 12, where every game matters, Sarkisian’s controversial decisions are putting Texas in a vulnerable position. To regain the trust of the fanbase and lead the Longhorns back to prominence, Sarkisian must learn from these mistakes and strike a better balance between innovation and practicality.
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