Steve Sarkisian Reveals How Texas Longhorns Can Start Creating More Turnovers

Steve Sarkisian knows exactly what the Texas Longhorns need to do to start creating more turnovers.

There has been a dramatic step forward taken by this Texas defense from 2022 to 2023, but there is always room for growth. 

While the unit as a whole ranks as the No. 26 defense in the country, they rank t-No. 78 in the country in turnovers forced. Something that Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian addressed recently when speaking to the media, as he cited that he thinks the defense could possibly be a little more hungry and cognizant when it comes to forcing turnovers.

"I think sometimes you need to be where you're supposed to be when you're supposed to be there," Sarkisian said. "Zone coverage, man coverage, fitting around a specific way and running up front and then when you're there, you can then take advantage of the opportunity to create that turnover. The second part I think having the mindset of the ball on your mind."

Texas football / © Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY

Obviously forcing turnovers isn't always something that can be planned, but it is something that players can hunt if they ramp up their aggression. Forcing a pick or two can rattle a quarterback, and as we saw when Oklahoma picked off Quinn Ewers a couple of times early, it changes the opponent's game plan. 

The defense will have a unique test on Saturday, as Houston quarterback Donovan Smith has just three picks on the year. Something that plagued him at Texas Tech, as he had eight interceptions a year ago. 

As it stands right now, linebacker Jaylan Ford and safety Jerrin Thompson are tied for the lead in picks with two each. Texas is favored by 23.5 points in their matchup against the Cougars, and in order to reach that mark they will likely need a big play from the defensive side of the ball.