Mike Gundy considers how Texas has blossomed under Steve Sarkisian
Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy is impressed with what Steve Sarkisian has been able to build at Texas in just three seasons. After taking down Sarkisian’s Longhorns in 2021 and 2022, the Cowboys fell 49-21 this past week in the Big 12 Championship.
The lopsided win was indicative of just how far the Longhorns have come under Sarkisian. Quarterback Quinn Ewers lit up the OSU defense for 452 yards and four touchdowns to just one interception as it was never close.
Texas dominated both side of the ball, bottling up running back Ollie Gordon for just 34 yards rushing and forcing three turnovers. Speaking postgame, Gundy gave high praise to Sarkisian for the talented roster he’s put together.
“They’re very talented, we all know that,” the coach said. “It’s no secret. I told my guys, I like our guys. They’re on a good run right now with — I was told during the week they have 11 players that are going to be drafted. Now, I don’t know. I don’t keep track of that.
“My point being is that would put him on a good run talent-wise. It’s a high number, and they went through a period when the quarterback is out that, when I watched tape, they looked a little vulnerable at times. They lost the running back. They had a good running back, I heard, but other than that, they’ve stayed really healthy, and they’re playing good football right now.”
Texas amassed 662 yards of offense against the Cowboys and seemed to move the ball at will, scoring touchdowns on five of its first six drives. The victory moved the Longhorns up to No. 3 in the College Football Playoff rankings, giving them a chance to compete in the CFP for the first time in program history.
Texas is set to take on Washington in the Sugar Bowl in a semifinal matchup on New Year’s Day, and a win will send it to the national championship. Based on what Gundy saw Saturday, he has no doubt the Longhorns are capable of getting the win.
“I told the guys in here, I would guess that team can play with anyone in the country right now, just from what I saw live,” he said. “Maybe I’m wrong. Whoever, they’re ready to play.”
Mike Gundy reflects on Oklahoma State’s season, excitement for bowl game
Although the year ended on a sour note, Gundy is still proud of what his team accomplished. Oklahoma State began the season with a 2-2 record that included a loss to South Alabama, but went on to win seven of its final eight games to reach the Big 12 title game.
Although things quickly got away from the Cowboys early, they still have a chance to end the season with a win in the Texas Bowl against Texas A&M. Gundy expressed that he is eager to go through one more game with this group.
“If we would have got a couple breaks early, we would have been able to punch back and kind of stay in the ballgame, but we didn’t get those breaks,” he said. “So that’s kind of a situation for us. I do want to say again that this team is special. This team had a great year. I mean, not good. They’ve had a great year, and we’re looking forward to playing one more time. I’m excited about walking out with them and getting on the bus with them and getting on a plane with them. I’m proud of them for what they did.
“They stand for all the right things. They compete. They’re humble. They keep their mouths shut, and they’re willing to do what it takes for somebody other than themselves. That’s why this is a special group, and I appreciate that.”