Steve Sarkisian on Texas Longhornsâ 2024 Struggles: âYeah, I Mean, I Have My Own Grass to Mowâ
The 2024 college football season has been a rollercoaster for the Texas Longhorns. Coming off a promising 2023 campaign that saw Texas reclaim some of its storied glory, the expectations for 2024 were sky-high. However, a combination of inconsistent performances and unforeseen challenges has made this season a struggle for head coach Steve Sarkisian and his team. Sarkisianâs candid response to questions about the Longhornsâ difficultiesââYeah, I mean, I have my own grass to mowââprovides insight into his philosophy and leadership amid adversity.
When the 2024 season began, Texas was brimming with optimism. The team had a strong recruiting class, returning stars, and momentum from a solid previous season. The move to the SEC further fueled the narrative that Texas was ready to compete at the highest level, restoring its reputation as a college football powerhouse.
However, the season hasnât gone as planned. Losses in key games, struggles with consistency, and injury issues have left the Longhorns short of their lofty aspirations. Fans and analysts have been quick to voice their frustrations, but Sarkisian remains steadfast in his approach.
Sarkisianâs comment about âmowing his own grassâ reflects his focus on controlling what he and his team can control. Itâs a phrase that embodies self-accountability, discipline, and the importance of addressing internal matters rather than getting caught up in external noise.
âWhen youâre in the middle of a tough season, itâs easy to look at everything going wrong around you,â Sarkisian explained in a recent press conference. âBut at the end of the day, we have to focus on ourselvesâour preparation, our execution, and our mindset. Thatâs what I mean by mowing our own grass. If we take care of our business, the results will come.â
This philosophy isnât new for Sarkisian, who has consistently emphasized process over results during his tenure at Texas. While the struggles of 2024 have tested this mindset, it remains central to how heâs addressing the teamâs challenges.
The Longhornsâ 2024 struggles can be attributed to several key factors:
- Inconsistent Play: While the team has shown flashes of brilliance, theyâve struggled to maintain consistency, particularly in high-pressure situations.
- Injuries: Key players on both offense and defense have missed significant time, forcing younger, less experienced athletes to step into major roles.
- SEC Transition: Adjusting to the rigorous demands of the SEC has proven to be a challenge, as Texas now faces elite competition week in and week out.
- Execution Issues: Turnovers, penalties, and missed assignments have hurt the team in critical moments, highlighting the need for greater attention to detail.
Despite the setbacks, Sarkisian has remained a steady presence. He has consistently taken responsibility for the teamâs struggles while pushing his players and coaching staff to improve.
âThis isnât where we want to be, but weâre not going to panic,â Sarkisian said. âWe have to stay the course, learn from our mistakes, and keep getting better. Thatâs what great programs doâthey respond to adversity.â
Sarkisian has also leaned on veteran leaders within the team to set the tone for younger players. By fostering a culture of accountability and resilience, heâs working to ensure that the program continues to grow, even in a challenging season.
Texas fans are known for their passion and high expectations, and the 2024 season has tested their patience. While some have expressed frustration with the teamâs performance, others recognize that rebuilding a championship-caliber program takes time.
The media, meanwhile, has speculated about whether Sarkisianâs tenure at Texas can meet the lofty standards of the programâs history. However, Sarkisian remains focused on the task at hand, refusing to let outside criticism dictate his approach.
As the season progresses, Sarkisian is optimistic about the Longhornsâ ability to turn things around. With several key games remaining, he sees opportunities for growth and improvement that will pay dividends in the future.
âOur goals havenât changed,â Sarkisian said. âWeâre building something special here, and that takes time. We have to stay focused on what we can control and keep working every day.â
Looking beyond 2024, Texas continues to recruit at a high level, ensuring that the programâs talent pipeline remains strong. Sarkisian believes that the lessons learned this season will make the team stronger in the long run.
Steve Sarkisianâs âmowing your own grassâ philosophy captures the essence of his leadership during a difficult season. By emphasizing accountability, resilience, and focus, heâs guiding the Texas Longhorns through their 2024 struggles with an eye on the bigger picture.
While this season may not meet fansâ expectations, Sarkisianâs steady approach ensures that the foundation is being laid for sustained success. As the Longhorns navigate their first season in the SEC, they are learning valuable lessons that will shape their futureâand with Sarkisian at the helm, the program remains committed to returning to college footballâs elite.