Longhorns Shaky Start Won't Work vs. Saban and Alabama

The Texas Longhorns cannot afford a slow start vs. the Alabama Crimson Tide in Week 2

AUSTIN - The Texas Longhorns (1-0) took care of business in their season opener against the Rice Owls at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, winning in a 37-10 blowout. 

However, it was far from sunshine and rainbows for Steve Sarkisian and his program. 

Instead of getting off to the fast start that most expected against the overpowered and undermanned Owls, Texas sputtered out of the gate, turning over the ball on downs on their opening drive. 

And while there were glimpses of brilliance through the remainder of the first half, the No. 11 Horns took a paltry 16-3 lead into the locker room at the half. 

Not good. 

Luckily the defense showed up to play from the opening snap. 

In the second half, things looked much smoother for Quinn Ewers and the offense, with the Horns scoring three consecutive touchdowns, and icing the game with a 37-3 lead. 

Which in a way speaks to the resilience of the Horns at the half. 

"I think the majority of the people that walked in the stadium thought that game was going to go a certain way when in reality our defense played a fantastic football game," Sarkisian said. "To me, there's encouragement in that we can win games in different styles."

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However, the Longhorns face a much stiffer challenge in Week 2 in the Alabama Crimson Tide, that kind of start will not work against Nick Saban's bunch.

The Crimson Tide are not projected to be their typical juggernaut selves. They have a new quarterback and a handful of new players at key positions throughout the roster. 

In other words, it is a similar narrative to that of the pre-Bryce Young-led Tide from 2021.

No matter who is under center, or lining up at what position for the Tide, however, the Longhorns can only count on one thing - Saban will have his team ready to play.

"It’s a heck of an opportunity," Sarkisian said. "We're playing a great opponent. The reality of it is we have to acknowledge that, and then get back to being present with our preparation." 

Moreover, whether Saban admits it or not, he has likely been focusing on the matchup vs. the Longhorns all offseason.  

And if the Texas team from Saturday against Rice shows up in Tuscaloosa to take on the Tide, it could very well be a long day for the Orange and White.

That said, Sark also knows what is in front of him and his program, and will have his team ready as well. 

"Everybody wants to win next Saturday at 6," Sarkisian said. "What are you going to do Sunday-Friday to put yourself in a position to win? We have a mature enough team to do that. We’re going to have to play better than we did today, and I think we can."