COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Coaches typically don’t look ahead too much, but after Texas experienced its only defeat this season, Steve Sarkisian briefly considered what lay ahead for the end of the season.

“Hopefully,” Sarkisian remarked on Oct. 19 after a 30-15 defeat to Georgia, “we can have another opportunity to face them.”

Texas earned that chance thanks to their strong performance in six consecutive wins following that loss.

Now, Texas is set for a rematch against Georgia.

This matchup is significant: it involves conference supremacy and a direct entry into the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff.

No other team in the SEC has performed as well as Texas during the latter half of the season.

In fact, no defense has been more effective.

Texas’ defense proved itself by not letting Texas A&M score a touchdown during a 17-7 win on Saturday, ensuring Texas a spot in the College Football Playoff. The Aggies only managed to score via an interception return.

“Best (defense) in the nation,” Texas defensive lineman Alfred Collins stated.

Collins’ confident remark reflects the transformation Sarkisian has achieved in just four seasons.

“We won the game with a physically dominant style,” Sarkisian noted, “which is exactly what we had to do in the Southeastern Conference.”

Stephen Sarkisian Builds a Defense Fit for the SEC in Four Years

Initially, defense was a weak point during Sarkisian’s first year as head coach, part of a history where Texas struggled to play aggressively.

Prior to the 2021 season, the SEC made the decision to include Texas in its ranks.

Shortly after that announcement, Arkansas exposed Texas during a game that demonstrated the Longhorns were not physically ready for SEC play. However, they had three years to prepare, and Sarkisian has revamped the team, especially at the scrimmage lines.

Today, Texas boasts experienced and powerful players on both sides of the line, allowing them to allow the fewest points per game of any SEC team since Georgia’s 2021 season, the one that kicked off Kirby Smart’s back-to-back national championships.

The outcome of Texas’ defeat against Georgia does not accurately reflect their defensive performance in that game. The Longhorns’ four turnovers consistently put them in difficult situations. Only one Georgia scoring drive exceeded 34 yards, and Texas managed to intercept Carson Beck three times to stay competitive.

A victory in Atlanta would not only secure Texas a spot in the playoff quarterfinals but symbolize a significant shift. It would show that the Georgia program, known for its physical play and defensive prowess in recent years, is now sharing the stage with Texas and its newfound edge.

This development has been evident on the field for most of the season. No SEC defense has outshone Texas; in fact, Georgia’s defense has struggled to keep pace.

However, during their previous encounter in Austin, Georgia’s defense was formidable.

The normally reliable Texas offensive line faltered, unable to protect their quarterbacks, and the pressure of the game seemed overwhelming for the Longhorns.

Throughout 11½ games, Texas appeared poised to be national championship contenders. The only exception was a dismal performance in the first half against Georgia, where the Bulldogs overwhelmed them with sacks and turnovers, establishing a 23-point lead by halftime.

At that point, it would have been hard to believe Texas would get a rematch, yet in this unpredictable college football season, few teams have been as consistent as Texas has been in November.

Texas Longhorns Embrace SEC Spirit in Every Aspect

Critics of Texas contend the Longhorns had a cushy schedule, yet elite teams maintain their dominance over expected opponents.

While several SEC playoff hopefuls faced unexpected losses to unranked teams, Texas consistently pressured the lower-tier SEC squads.

“The game is won up front,” Sarkisian stated. “This isn’t flag football or 7-on-7. You have to dominate in the trenches, especially in this conference.”

Texas supporters have learned the essence of competing in this league.

As the final seconds of the game ticked away Saturday night, the crowd of 109,028 clad in burnt orange erupted in chants of the conference they are now part of.

“SEC! SEC! SEC!” they shouted.

In this conference, physical football tends to outshine the rest.

Texas quickly grasped that fundamental truth.