Texas Longhorns Coach Steve Sarkisian Knows Importance Of Texas Tech Rivalry Red Raiders Rivalry

The Texas Longhorns have a crucial game against their in-state foe Texas Tech Red Raiders on Saturday.

It is no secret around Austin that a College Football Playoff appearance is well within their reach.

But, it is also no secret that if Texas doesn't treat every opponent with the same amount of respect they could end up seeing those hopes dashed. Their final regular season game as a member of the Big 12 will be against the Texas Tech Raiders, who while they aren't having the season that many were projecting them to have, are still a dangerous team.

Something that Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian addressed, and revealed he has been emphasizing to his team when speaking to the media recently. 

“We haven’t necessarily had to put more of an emphasis on this game," said Sarkisian. "I mean this when I tell you, after the OU game I’ve made it a point that every game we play, the first thing I talk about to the team every Monday morning and every Friday night is this is a Big 12 Championship game.” — “I don’t feel in this week that I have to do more than that.”

The Texas head coach also touched on the fact that handling business against Texas Tech is the only way they can control their fate, as a loss would make tie-breakers a large factor. 

Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns celebrate after beating Iowa State / Sara Diggins-Austin American-Statesman

"This year, leave no doubt. This is on us. We control our own destiny, said Sarkisian. "Let’s go handle our business we know we know how to do it. It’s a tall task. It’s going to be a tough game Friday but at the end, let’s not leave it up to somebody else. Let’s do it our way and the way I know we’re capable of doing.”

According to ESPN, the Longhorns are favored by 12.5 points and have an 86.3% chance of winning. While the Red Raiders started off the year slow, they have been hot as of late as they have won three straight with wins over UCF, Kansas, and TCU. A win for Texas clinches their spot in the Big 12 title game, while a loss will mean the Longhorns need a series of events to occur on Saturday to make it. 

A loss also eliminates them from College Football Playoff consideration. This may be the most important meeting between these two teams since the Michael Crabtree game, even if the head coach won't admit it.