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Steve Sarkisian reacts to 'understandable' boos from Texas fans in Week 3

Grant Grubbs Profile Pictureby: Grant Grubbs8 hours agogrant_grubbs_
Steve Sarkisian, Texas
Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Texas fans weren’t afraid to share their disappointment with their team on Saturday. After a sluggish start against UTEP, the Longhorns received a chorus of boos after failing to convert a third-and-7 against with under two minutes remaining in the second quarter.

At the time, Texas had just a 7-3 lead against the Miners. While some coaches would’ve been mad at the fans for booing their team, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said he understands the fans’ frustration.

“We’ve set a standard around here of the way we play football, and there’s an expectation from our fans about the way we play football,” Sarkisian said. “It’s fast, it’s physical, it’s tough, it’s smart, it’s exciting. And, at times, we didn’t play that way this weekend. I think, at the end of the day, they’re spending money, they’re coming to games, they’re sitting in the heat — they want to make sure we give them a reason to be there.

“That’s not the only reason we’re all there. We’re obviously there for, as a team, our own goals, our own aspirations, and what we’re not only trying to do on that Saturday, but for the duration of this season. But, also, man, our fans offer so much support to us that, clearly, if they were booing about the way we were playing just imagine how we were feeling about the way we were playing at some of that juncture in the first half. So, understandable. But, again, don’t give up on us too quick. I think we got a pretty good team.”

Texas ultimately forced a three-and-out on UTEP’s next offensive possession and scored with one second remaining in the half to go up 14-3. The Longhorns controlled the second half, emerging with a 27-10 triumph.

Nonetheless, the team must improve if it hopes to reach its lofty goals. In the win, Texas amassed just 341 yards of total offense. For reference, Utah State recorded 19 more yards against UTEP in the two teams’ Week 1 showdown.

Quarterback Arch Manning particularly struggled, only completing 11-of-his-25 pass attempts for 114 yards and a touchdown, while also throwing an interception. Texas’ running game was its saving grace. The Longhorns notched 227 rushing yards in the win.

Texas will look to give its fans more to cheer about on Saturday when it squares off against Sam Houston State at 8 p.m. ET. The game will air live on ESPN+.