Texas' Sarkisian Not Underestimating Spiraling Gators Team

Despite helming a top ten team that currently sits with just one loss, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian does not exude the overboiling confidence that you'd expect from someone facing a spiraling Florida Gators team.

The coach offered a few thoughts.

Sarkisian Wary of Potential of Gators Surprise

Statistically, the Texas Longhorns look head and shoulders above the Gators when it comes to Saturday's contest.

The Longhorns score 31.8 points per game while allowing just 7.8. The second number ranks them second in all of FBS. Under normal circumstances, that would be enough for any coach heading into a conference road game to brim with utmost outward confidence, yet Sarkisian appears cautious in his words and how he communicated them during his press conference.

Swamp Vibes

Despite Florida owning a 1-3 record, with three of the ugliest losses that you may ever see, the Texas head coach understands Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and what the raucous crowd can do.

"Obviously, a very difficult place to play," he said. "A place that has been known around the country as one of the most difficult places to play. I think we've created a culture around here where connectivity is important, so you have to have connectivity on the road."

90,000 screaming fans that live and die with every snap. Outside of Gainesville, you don't see much in the way of discussion regarding The Swamp. The stadium doesn't change, and the mood most certainly won't.”

As an offensive-minded coach, Sarkisian sounds concerned about aspects of the loudness and how it affects his team. First, Texas needs to concern itself with communication at the field level. Meaning, hearing the snap count and not jumping before the snap. Those cheap five yards can most certainly add up.

In contrast, while Texas plays defense, if the offense starts rolling, the crowd springs to life and the team does feed off the energy, creating its own momentum.

Different Types of Desperation

Florida needs to win this game to keep their bowl aspirations alive and possibly stave off the firing of head coach Billy Napier. Their incentive remains immediate and will continue to do so for the remainder of the season. At the same time, Texas needs to emerge victorious to keep their shot at the SEC championship alive. Furthermore, if you look further down the road, conference champions enjoy a smoother road in the College Football Playoff.

Bottom Line

Texas visits Georgia later in the season. However, that game may not mean as much as the Florida road trip.

In the season opener, the Longhorns lost in Columbus against Ohio State. The offense looked rattled and out of place in a hostile atmosphere. While Florida and the Buckeyes do not field the same talent, Sarkisian has already witnessed how a loud crowd can unravel a visiting team and unspool their game plan.

Can the Gators use the Swamp to leave with a victory?