Texas’ Cotton Bowl loss: Steve Sarkisian blasted for unsuccesful play call
Steve Sarkisian of Texas Longhorns feels the heat after making a highly controversial decision during the final Cotton Bowl moments. Many fans and analysts are second guessing his decision making, both questions which likely contributed to the Longhorns falling to Ohio State.
Yet, Texas only had a golden chance to win in the final moments of the game. The Longhorns were at a first and goal at the 1 to end a breakneck drive, and expectations were high. The problem was that what followed frustrated and stunned fans. On second down, Sarkisian went for the risky toss sweep play over a straightforward run and it didn’t work, a devastating six yard loss. This is a pivotal mistake, one that Ohio State was able to take advantage of to get back to the National Championship game, against Notre Dame.
Momentum Squandered
Some are scratching their heads given Texas had momentum and crowd support walking out for a toss play from under shotgun. Just marching down the field, the Longhorns powered their fan base and had reeling emotions from the Ohio State’s defense. The ill fated play not only pushed the Longhorns further from the end zone, it sent them further from gaining a comeback.
Texas fans were equally disheartening with the next few plays. A third down incomplete set up a do or die fourth down, and during which quarterback Quinn Ewers fumbled, giving Ohio State a scoop and score. The sequence did the Longhorns in, with fans and analysts wondering about their head coach’s leadership.
Sarkisian Defends the Decisions Made.
Then, in the post game press conference, Sarkisian justified his approach by explaining why exactly he called the play.
“The plan was to run the ball down their edge when we got down there…” ‘So if you block it right, you get in the end zone,’ Sarkisian said. “We were in four down territory [at that point], so you’re kind of stuck.”
But his explanation didn’t seem to comfort the Longhorns faithful. His remarks only seemed to fan the flames as fans raged about the lack of accountability.
Fans and Analysts React
Critics of Sarkisian’s late game decisions took to social media. The play was compared to Pete Carroll’s infamous play call in Super Bowl XLIX in which a pass on The 1 yard line with time on the clock cost the Seahawks the World Championship. Clay Travis and not only did he lambast Sarkisian, but it was called one of the worst decisions in recent football history by the likes of OutKick.
Sarkisian’s tenure is at a crossroads for some fans, and the Cotton Bowl blunder is a growing call for change. “First and goal on the 1, and we don’t score, yet?” ‘I don’t believe we deserve to win the game — I said it,’ Sarkisian admitted. But critics are quick to point out it’s not just the team that failed, it’s the coaching.
Where Does Sarkisian and the Longhorns Go From Here?
But Sarkisian now finds himself in similar territory as Carroll — Pete struggled to shed the stench of his Super Bowl error — as he tries and fails to dispel the sullied ink of his alma mater. Questions about his future as head coach of Texas after the Cotton Bowl loss have spurred many fans to openly ask if they should make him return next season.
It remains to be seen whether Sarkisian will be able to claw himself out of this hole. And the Longhorns and their fans will have to remember what could have been, a harrowing reminder of how quickly a game, and maybe, a career, can be lost on one decision.
