The day before the 2024 Peach Bowl, Steve Sarkisian, head coach of the Texas Longhorns, faced the media to provide insight into his team’s preparation, expectations, and mindset heading into one of the most significant games of the season. With Texas set to face a formidable opponent in the Peach Bowl, Sarkisian offered a glimpse into his team’s readiness, the challenges they’d faced throughout the season, and his thoughts on the game’s stakes. Sarkisian opened his press conference by emphasizing how much his team had grown since the beginning of the season. Despite facing tough competition, Texas had reached the Peach Bowl with impressive momentum. Sarkisian acknowledged that the game would be a formidable challenge, but he was confident in his team’s ability to rise to the occasion. “This is what we’ve been working for all season. This game is a testament to the hard work, the focus, and the growth of our team,” Sarkisian said. “We’ve put ourselves in a great position, and now it’s about finishing strong.”
The Longhorns had put together a successful season, including a dominant performance in the Big 12 Championship, and Sarkisian noted how important it was for his players to stay grounded and focused. “We’ve been able to accomplish a lot this season, but we know that the biggest challenge is ahead of us. We’ve got to be prepared and execute at the highest level,” he added.
One of the most pressing questions surrounding Texas in the lead-up to the Peach Bowl was the status of quarterback Quinn Ewers, who had battled injuries during the season. Sarkisian addressed the situation head-on, revealing that Ewers was fully healthy and ready to go. “Quinn’s been preparing like he always does. He’s been great in practice, and we have full confidence in him to lead us tomorrow,” Sarkisian said. “He’s a guy who thrives in big moments, and this is another chance for him to show what he can do on a national stage.”
Sarkisian also highlighted the depth of his quarterback room, noting that backup Maalik Murphy had been preparing to step in should the need arise, but he emphasized that Ewers was the starter. “Maalik’s done a great job stepping up whenever we’ve needed him this season, but we’re excited to have Quinn at the helm for this one,” Sarkisian said.
Sarkisian was quick to discuss the importance of executing a balanced offense in the Peach Bowl. The Texas offense had been explosive throughout the year, and Sarkisian spoke about the need to maintain that balance to keep the opposing defense guessing. “We’ve got to run the ball efficiently, control the tempo, and then take our shots in the passing game,” he explained. “When we’re balanced, we’re really tough to stop. But it’s all about execution — we’ve got to take what the defense gives us and make sure we’re patient and disciplined.”
In addition to offensive strategy, Sarkisian also touched on the importance of defense. Texas’ defense had been one of the team’s strengths all year, and Sarkisian was quick to praise his defensive staff and players for their preparation. “Our defense has been incredible all year. They’ve been the backbone of this team. We’ve got some outstanding playmakers on that side of the ball, and we’ll need them to step up again tomorrow,” he said.
The Peach Bowl is not just another bowl game; it’s an opportunity to showcase Texas’ program on a national stage. Sarkisian spoke to the importance of handling the pressure that comes with such high stakes. “This is what you dream of as a player and a coach, to be in a game like this. But with that comes a certain level of pressure. We’ve got to embrace it, not shy away from it,” he said. “Our leadership, especially from the older guys, will be key. They’ve been through these big games, and they’ve done a great job of setting the tone for the younger guys.”
Sarkisian was also clear about the significance of the Peach Bowl as a springboard for future success. “We’ve built something really special here at Texas, and this game is another opportunity to show the world what we’re capable of. But we can’t think too far ahead — it’s all about this game right now.”
As much as Sarkisian was focused on the immediate task at hand, he couldn’t help but look ahead to the long-term success of the program. Texas had already announced its move to the SEC, and Sarkisian was eager to continue building the program into a perennial contender. “We’ve made a lot of progress, but we know we’ve got more work to do. The future is bright, but we’re focused on making sure we take care of business right now,” he said.
Sarkisian concluded the press conference by expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to lead Texas in such a pivotal moment. “It’s an honor to be here, representing this program, and I’m proud of everything these guys have accomplished,” he said. “We’ve earned this spot, and now we’ve got to go out and show the world what we’re capable of.”
With Sarkisian’s leadership and his team’s readiness, the Longhorns were set to enter the Peach Bowl with confidence, looking to close out their season on a high note and set the stage for continued success in the years to come.