FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Texas is making its mark in the SEC, sitting at a strong 8-1 in its inaugural season, but coach Steve Sarkisian knows the challenges are far from over.
With half the conference boasting two losses or fewer, Sarkisian understands that no team is safe in this unforgiving league.
“You have to be on top of your game every single week,” said Sarkisian. “One slip-up, and you’ll be the one regretting it. Some of the top teams in this conference have learned that lesson the hard way.”
Sarkisian’s mind is also on the past—specifically the 2021 matchup when Arkansas handed Texas a 40-21 drubbing. Since then, the programs have gone in opposite directions. Texas has posted a solid 31-14 record, while Arkansas has struggled to maintain consistency with a 23-22 mark and just 11 conference wins over the same period.
Reflecting on that painful loss, Sarkisian didn’t mince words: “We got embarrassed. Plain and simple. Hopefully, we show up ready to play Saturday.”
The rivalry is heating up, with mutual respect evident on both sides. Arkansas coach Sam Pittman swiftly shut down any skepticism surrounding Texas’ strength of schedule, which ranks 34th. “Critics clearly don’t know what they’re talking about,” Pittman fired back. “You don’t go beat Oklahoma by 31, Mississippi State by 22, Michigan by 19, and blank Colorado State 52-0 and call that a weak team.”
The stage is set for a high-stakes showdown, with Texas and Arkansas kicking off at 11 a.m. Saturday at Razorback Stadium, live on ABC.
