The players recognized our ability to compete here and win. However, the instant doubt sets in, that’s when you start to make the mistakes that ultimately lead to defeat, according to Sarkisian.
One year after suffering a one-point loss to the Crimson Tide in Austin, the Longhorns never had any cause for concern.
For the Longhorns, Quinn Ewers threw for 349 yards and three touchdowns, looking every bit the five-star quarterback that many had predicted him to be. Sarkisian has consistently been among the top play callers in college football. Along with Alabama, he helped DeVonta Smith win the Heisman Trophy in 2020 and win a national championship.
With receivers Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell, and Jordan Whittington as well as tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders at his disposal, Sarkisian was able to exploit his former bosses’ defense.
Since 2007, the Crimson Tide, led by coach Nick Saban, had not lost a regular-season nonconference game. This winning run spanned 57 games and was the longest since the AP poll’s inception in 1936. Alabama’s 21-game home winning streak came to an end as well.
Although it’s premature to declare the dynasty over, Alabama still doesn’t seem like the frightening team it once was after suffering two losses in a row.
Everybody was put to the test in this. For the players, the staff, and myself. Although we weren’t very good, this is only the midterm, not the final exam. Saban
Saban has dominated his former assistant coaches for the majority of his historic tenure at Alabama. In 31 tries, Sarkisian is just the third player to defeat Saban; however, the previous three seasons have seen all three of them.
“It all begins with me, and I let our team down with our performance,” Saban declared.
