1. In 2025, I will appreciate Steve Sarkisian more for what he’s done for Texas Football. I need to step back from Texas’ current playoff run and enjoy the Longhorns just being in the playoffs, not in some lame-ass Pop-Tarts Bowl.

Since Sarkisian arrived in Austin in 2021, I have frequently criticized what I perceived to be his mistakes and underperformance. It took me almost two full seasons to put Sarkisian’s 2021 5-7 record in the past. That seems like ancient history now. Over the past two seasons, Texas is 24-4 and has appeared in two straight conference championships, winning one. Texas has qualified for the CFB Playoff in back-to-back seasons. They are the only team to do so the past two seasons. Texas hasn’t had back-to-back seasons this successful since 2008 and 2009, when Texas was 25-2, with a conference championship and CFB final appearance.

2. In 2025, I will open the garage door before backing out of the garage.

3. In 2025, I will not take it personally if and when Quinn Ewers throws away a game during Texas’ current playoff run.

4. In 2025, I will get chummy with McConaughey.

5. In 2025, I will cut back on yelling at sports commentators and play-by-play announcers when they make mistakes, spout cliches, and get history wrong.

6. In 2025, I will lose my bitterness over the 1967 NFL championship game, Craig Curry’s fumble, Blake Gideon’s drop, and getting cut from the J.V. basketball team in 1971.

7. In 2025, I will lose no more than six Yetis.

8. In 2025, I will not miss a putt shorter than three feet.

9. In 2025, I will invent a new, never-used-before over/under question.

10. In 2025, I won’t make New Year’s resolutions for 2026.

Red zone offense

While watching the Washington Commanders—Atlanta Falcons game, I noticed Washington’s offense looked very much like Texas’. I’m guessing Washington’s offensive coordinator, Kliff Kingsbury, comes from the same school of thought as Steve Sarkisian. The offense used the same motion, shifts, and play-action, but unlike Texas in the last few games, Washington was effective in the red zone. The red zone difference was obvious. Jayden Daniels poses a run threat, but Quinn Ewers does not.

Arizona State

Based on the pre-game analyses I’ve read, beating Arizona State will present about the same degree of difficulty as Clemson did. Across the board, they are not as talented and deep as Texas, but they have some very good players at key positions on offense and defense.

Running back Cam Skattebo is a human highlight reel (excuse the pun) who has 1,568 yards rushing at six yards per carry. Brace yourself for Texas missing tackles on this guy.

Quarterback Sam Leavitt has 2,663 yards passing in 2024, averaging a healthy 8.8 yards per attempt. He has 24 touchdown passes against 5 interceptions. And he has 383 yards rushing with 5 rushing touchdowns.

Luckily for Texas, ASU’s leading receiver, Jordyn Tyson, is out for the rest of the season. Tyson has accounted for 38% of ASU’s receiving yards. Their second leading receiver is Cam Skattebo. Interesting.

To compensate for an overall lack of talent, ASU’s defense takes gambles by overplaying their opponent’s tendencies, hoping to inflict negative plays.  Expect them to jump on Texas’ wide receiver screens and use blitzes to defend the run. These tactics will create big-play opportunities for Texas’ offense.

Final

Arizona State was predicted to finish last in the Big 12 this season. They won it by going 10-2 in the regular season and blowing out Iowa State in the championship game 45-19. Credit ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham and his staff for the turnaround of a team that was 3-9 in 2023.

Dillingham presents another head coaching challenge for Steve Sarkisian, who struggles against high-level head coaches.

Texas is favored by 12.5 points. ASU may pull off some surprises early in the game, but Texas has a big advantage in depth and talent that eventually should overwhelm the Sun Devils.

Hook ‘Em,
W.E.

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