One Texas defender explains why he wrote Steve Sarkisian a note before the season opener versus Ohio State

Malik Muhammad was a man of his word last week and Steve Sarkisian noticed.

"I thought Manny Muhammad competed his tail off Saturday against a great player in Jeremiah Smith," Sarkisian said.

Muhammad and the rest of the secondary held Smith relatively in check for most of the day – limiting him to just six receptions for 43 yards. The South Oak Cliff (Tex.) product was physical all day with Smith – drawing a few flags and some boo birds from the Ohio State faithful. But, he more than held his own against an old friend.

Muhammad and Smith played 7v7 together so the tendencies and games are well-known on both sides. After the game, the two exchanged pleasantries.

"We just said good game," Muhammad said. "Just respect on both ends. So, I mean just catching up and then just congratulating each other on the game."

Malik Muhammad finished the game with six tackles and is already ready for what's next in Week 2.

"You can't just dwell on your ills in life, your struggles in life," Muhammad said.  "You always got to move on, because life always goes on."

Despite the loss, one positive from Week 1 was the defense. Pete Kwiatkowski's unit held Ohio State to just 14 points, 203 total yards, 3-of-12 on third down, and 2.3 yards per carry. Muhammad is ready to prove it wasn't a fluke, too.

"We just gave y'all a little taste. Like, we really just gave y'all a little taste. We got so much more in the tank, so much more to put on display as a whole, from each level - from D-line to linebackers and us in the secondary. We got so much more to put on display."

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