AUSTIN (KXAN) — Steve Sarkisian was tasked with turning things around in his first season at the helm of the Texas football program. The 5-7 season that ensued was not what he expected and the reality check started with a defeat on the road to a rival in Week 2 of the 2021 season.
The Longhorns went to Arkansas in 2021 and lost 41-20. Texas is set for another bout this year at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium with a new confidence.
“Our preparation now is back into getting enamored with what we need to do so that we can be the best version of ourselves Saturday,” said Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian. “I think ‘Longhorn Nation’ deserves that. I think Arkansas deserves that because they didn’t get the best version of us four years ago.”
Uncertainty surrounded the Texas program in 2021 during Sarkisian’s first year. Texas is now one of the most consistent and best-positioned teams in the sport.
None of the current Longhorns players were born when Texas and Arkansas were heated conference rivals. Still, there are 11 players on this year’s Texas team who dressed for the game in 2021.
“We can look at the history if we want but we know how we were treated the past game,” said Longhorns senior center Jake Majors. “So I think that’s enough to get everybody going.”
The feeling of that game in 2021 has trickled down to some newer Longhorns who are making the trip to Fayetteville for the first time.
“I was in high school watching Texas vs. Arkansas and I saw all that so I didn’t need too much,” linebacker Anthony Hill said. “I watched it with my own eyes. I already know what this is all about. It’s going to be a hard-fought game and we’re ready.”
“You come to Texas for games like this,” defensive back Michael Taaffe said, who was on the 2021 roster. “A long-time rivalry. The ‘Burnt Orange’ takes this rivalry to heart and I’m just excited to go play.”
The Longhorns and Razorbacks will kick off at 11 a.m. Saturday in Fayetteville. Texas Gameday is the official pregame show of Texas football and airs Saturday at 10 a.m. on KBVO with Jonathan Thomas, Alex Okafor and Dan Neil.