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On why he doesn’t vote in the Coaches Poll, Sark said the combination of not being able to pay attention to/watch other games and the 12-team CFP means he doesn’t even know what the Coaches Poll means anymore.

Sark, when comparing Arch Manning’s running ability to other quarterbacks he’s coached, said Jake Locker was a runner first that he and the Washington staff had to develop into a passer. Arch’s legs bring a dynamic to the table that Sark’s offenses typically haven’t had, he said.

The challenging schedule is why Sark said this team is focusing on what’s right in front of them.

Sark also points out how tough the end of the home schedule is with Vanderbilt; Arkansas and A&M.

The 2025 schedule is “uniquely challenging with some tough road games,” Sark said.

Sark says KJ Lacey ran the two minute drill with the twos. Had a big time explosive play with his legs and throw to Daylan McCutcheon. Caldwell had a 16 play and 13 play drive that moved the ball efficiently. Says Owens had some “highlight plays” but is looking for consistency.

Sark: “We have to fine-tune the details of what we do.”

Sark: “Our physicality had got to continue to grow.”

Sarkisian says due to the varying body types at the TE spot, 12 personnel could be used with different tight ends.

Regarding scrimmage standouts, Sark singled out CJ Baxter and Derek Williams.

Procedurally, meaning motions, shifts and the nuances of the Texas offense, is one aspect of the scrimmage Sark didn’t like.

Nick Brooks and Nick Townsend didn’t finish the scrimmage due to injury, but Sark said both practiced today.

Sark: “I don’t operate with my head in the sand… But what are we going to do when we’re faced with adversity in a game? That’s the key to the drill.”

Sark channeling Nick Saban, talking about respecting and enjoying the process.

Regarding Arch, Sark said it’s a long season and there’s not a lot of in-between when it comes to external expectations for Arch and the team. That’s why Sark likes that Arch isn’t concerned with what’s written or said about him, only what his teammates and those in the building think about him.

The only turnover from Saturday was a tipped by in the red area. Sark says it was a great play by the defense. It was not thrown by Manning.

Sark said Arch Manning had no turnovers in the scrimmage on Saturday.

Sark says there were probably 5-6 passes he is pretty confident Arch makes during the season that maybe he didn’t in the scrimmage.

The way the offense had to bounce back after a tough start in the scrimmage and the way Mason Shipley kicked the ball today, Sark said, shows the competitive spirit of this team.

Taking care of your body and being prepared every day mentally and emotionally shows Sark how much the current team enjoys the process of becoming a championship team.

What the current Longhorns know is competition because the staff preaches it, Sark said. ”We’re a very competitive operation that way,” he said. “But we’re also competitive within our position groups.”

Sarkisian says the coaching staff being on the same page and collectively pushing to get better has been a key point of emphasis this offseason. Especially with the new faces. Says they have been present and taking it a day at a time.

Speaking of Metallica, I always thought this is a pretty badass song for road teams: https://youtu.be/cwPg8gJq_Kw?si=nGhZvoO-6rCJ-xk2