Tag: Texas-Alabama

Texas HC Steve Sarkisian dishes on how Nick Saban revived his career

Nick Saban gave Steve Sarkisian a chance when he needed it most.

Steve Sarkisian’s coaching career was in significant jeopardy after getting fired from USC back in 2015. Sarkisian dealt with struggles on and off the football field, most notably an alcohol issue that impacted his work life.

Looking to get back into the game of football, Sarkisian fielded little interest from any college or professional programs. Sarkisian was ready to take a job in TV before Nick Saban came calling.

The legendary Alabama head coach gave Sarkisian an opportunity in an analyst role. A low-paying analyst role was a major step down compared to his prestigious head coaching job at USC, but it was Sarkisian’s best chance to rebuild his career.

Sarkisian took the role with Alabama for the 2016 season, where he quickly earned the trust of Saban.

Former Alabama offensive coordinator and now Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin left the Tide for the FAU job ahead of the CFP national championship game. Saban chose to promote Sarkisian to call plays in the most important game of the year.

Sarkisian had a quick stint in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons before returning to Alabama as the offensive coordinator in 2020.

Alabama won the 2020 national title anchored by a historic offensive attack led by Sarkisian, leading to Texas hiring Sarkisian as its head coach following the season.

Sarkisian went into detail about his relationship with Saban on “The Pivot” podcast. He credits Saban with “saving his coaching career.”

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Texas OL coach Kyle Flood is as good as advertised

Kyle Flood could send two freshmen to All-American honors this year.

Texas has nailed a number of hires in the Steve Sarkisian era. Coaching is helping Texas separate from its past self.

Brennan Marion and Tashard Choice were great additions this year, while Bo Davis and Jeff Banks have proven to be elite recruiters and great leaders of men. Pete Kwiatkowski is settling in as defensive coordinator. Even so, Kyle Flood’s impact ends a near 15-year drought in consistently good offensive line play.

Flood is well on his way to sending two freshmen to All-American honors this year. Kelvin Banks and Cole Hutson look as good as any newcomer on the offensive line.

Flood’s presence is felt at Texas for how much he has improved his unit. If Saturday is any indication, his absence is felt at Alabama.

The Texas offensive line held their own against a defensive line that was supposed to bury them. The Crimson Tide offensive line lost the line of scrimmage battle against the Texas defensive front.

Coaching matters far more than tradition, past culture or prestige. Kyle Flood’s impact is a sign Texas could be good for years to come.

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Social Media reacts to the first half of Alabama-Texas

A look at some of the top social reactions after Texas-Alabama went to halftime tied.

Alabama probably just isn’t motivated through the first half. A sloppy half saw Texas outgain Alabama 174 yards to 169.

The Tide had 11 penalties for 58 yards in the first half, and there could have been a few more.

The big story of the first half was the injury of Quinn Ewers, who tore through the Alabama defense to the tune of 9-for-12 passing for 134 yards in two drives.

Ewers appears to be out for the game after a late hit by Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner. As you might expect, the play caused a stir on social media.

The play drew comparisons to another injury. Naturally, Colt McCoy’s injury to the same team in the 2009 National Championship became the focus of many Longhorns fans.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to the game.

Quinn Ewers exits game with apparent shoulder injury

It wouldn’t be Alabama-Texas if the Tide didn’t injure a Longhorn QB.

Quinn Ewers was lighting up the Alabama defense until a red zone shoulder injury might have ended his day. Sound familiar?

After landing a haymaker throw to Xavier Worthy, Ewers scrambled in the pocket on a red zone play before throwing the ball away. A late hit by an Alabama defender forced Ewers onto his shoulder and sent him to the locker room.

Ewers looked like a seasoned veteran on the two drives. The freshman signal-caller went a scorching 9-for-12 for 134 yards passing.

One incompletion was forced from Xavier Worthy’s grasp as he fell in the end zone. Another was a missed pass interference call in the end zone.

Hudson Card will have an opportunity to erase last year’s performances from memory. Albeit, it would be an unfortunate end to a promising start for Ewers. Moving forward, Texas knows it has a star in Quinn Ewers if healthy.

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