No. 1 Texas just rolled into Knoxville and walked out with a gritty 20-17 win over No. 14 Tennessee, silencing a stadium of 109,915 screaming fans. This wasn’t just any road victory, though. It was a direct answer to some anonymous coach who trashed the Longhorns’ toughness to The Athletic, calling them “soft everywhere” and claiming they “don’t have an edge to them.”
Proving the Haters Wrong on the Field
You heard that right. Someone actually thought a team that just beat Ohio State a few weeks ago, and now No. 14 Tennessee on their home turf, was soft. Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian isn’t having it. He fired back, saying whoever “wrote the article today and what coach said we weren’t a physical football team… may want to write another article.” And he’s got the receipts! Soft teams don’t lead all Power Four teams with 16 conference wins since 2023. Soft teams sure as heck don’t shut down one of the nation’s most vaunted rushing attacks on the road, even while committing 11 penalties themselves. Defensive end Colin Simmons and linebacker Justin Cryer were out there celebrating sacks, showing that edge firsthand.
Far From Perfect, Still Resilient As Heck
Look, the Longhorns aren’t a finished product, not by a long shot. They’re 4-0 for the second time in three seasons, but their offensive struggles? Man, they’re out there for everyone to see. Despite spending what’s basically a “Fort Knox” on high-priced transfers, they haven’t been explosive. Quarterback Arch Manning took a physical pounding in Knoxville, and their offensive line looked like “five 300-pound blocks of Swiss cheese” at times. And don’t even get started on the penalties, or that wild onside kick that looked more like a “drop kick” the officials allowed, leading to a Hail Mary defense that shouldn’t have happened, according to rules analyst Terry McAulay. Still, this collective just delivered their first road win over a ranked SEC opponent since 2024 against Texas A&M. That’s pure resolve, baby.
With a much-needed bye week coming up, the Horns have time to regroup. But then, it’s a gauntlet. They’re a double-digit bet to “spank” Oklahoma in two weeks, but after that? They face a “resurgent Florida,” “high scoring Ole Miss,” and the “comeback kids from Mississippi State.” This team is tough, proven, and resilient, and they’re going to need every ounce of that resolve in the coming weeks.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply