AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Big 12 Conference era is just about finished for the Texas Longhorns, and they’re looking to go out with one more big win Saturday.
The Longhorns, No. 7 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, take on No. 19 Oklahoma State in the Big 12 championship game at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington with a potential playoff berth on the line. Texas needs some help for the CFP committee to even consider putting them in one of the top four spots, but there’s a path if they’re able to accomplish what they set out to do at the beginning of the year.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said he’s proud of what the team has accomplished so far — beating Alabama 34-24 in Tuscaloosa and going 11-1 this season to get a shot in the Big 12 title game — but he’s not satisfied.
“The fact that we have this opportunity to play for a championship, I’m happy for our players and staff because I know how much work they’ve put in to get here, but I’m not satisfied yet,” Sarkisian said. “If we’re fortunate enough to find a way to win, I’ll take a moment for a deep breath and be satisfied.”
It’s strength against strength in this matchup — Texas’ stout run defense and the nation’s leading rusher, Oklahoma State’s Ollie Gordon II. The Longhorns are No. 4 in the FBS allowing 85 rushing yards per game and Gordon has racked up 1,580 rushing yards to lead the country. Gordon was named the Big 12 offensive player of the year while Texas defensive lineman T’Vondre Sweat was tabbed the defensive player of the year.
The game kicks off at 11 a.m. and will be broadcast on ABC. We will have live updates during the game in this post.
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