The first year under Steve Sarkisian was anything but a movie, as the Longhorns had a historic six-game losing streak and had their major flaws exposed.
There were some things such as the amount of turnover from Tom Herman’s previous classes that were out of Sarkisian’s control, but in-game adjustments and multiple blown double-digit leads can definitely fall on the shoulders of the head coach.
This offseason, the staff has done a great job addressing the needs at offensive line, defensive line, and at the quarterback position. They also brought in some additional talent at the defensive back position that should greatly help their chances to contend in the Big 12 for 2022.
I don’t foresee Texas turning it all the way around and making the College Football Playoff, but it doesn’t seem out of the realm of possibility to be one of the top teams in the Big 12 and fight for a New Year’s Six bowl game appearance. If the Longhorns are to take the next step, they will have to escape multiple gauntlet periods in 2022, as their schedule can shape up to be pretty challenging.
However, Sarkisian is getting paid to win those games, and new additions such as Quinn Ewers will need to be as advertised in order to help Texas succeed.
I am predicting Texas to finish the regular season with three losses, and a chance to make it to the Big 12 Championship if other top teams drop a few games. A New Year’s Six bowl game could be in play, or it may be another Alamo Bowl appearance.
This team will be fairly young all over the field, and will certainly have some growing pains to overcome. However, teams like Oklahoma and Iowa State might be down next year due to all the turnover, which could really work in the favor of Texas who has consistently struggled against them.
Texas also has a very friendly schedule in terms of home field advantage, which could bode well in avoiding hostile environments for the young team. Here are my week-by-week predictions of how Texas will do in 2022.