OTF Premium Steve Sarkisian Thursday Availability (Michigan)

[CJ Vogel]

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian is speaking with reporters Thursday morning to discuss the Michigan game.

Again, the Texas team will depart for Ann Arbor Friday morning.

Notes and quotes in the comments below.

[CJ Vogel]

"Two weeks in a row, we are really proud with the way these guys have worked."

Sarkisian says the team has found a good routine for transitioning from a game to another game prep.

"We have progressively gotten better throughout the week."

[CJ Vogel]

"I feel good about the state of mind that our guys are in."

[CJ Vogel]

Sarkisian says he still believes the WR room is a work in progress at the moment.

But it was comforting to know that guys weren't left on the field if and when they were getting fatigued. There is confidence in the next group of guys at the position.

[CJ Vogel]

"We have six really quality wide receivers that can play at any moment."

Sarkisian says he loves that the staff is cross-training Ryan Niblett.

[CJ Vogel]

Sarkisian says this game more than ever would be an opportunity to get usage out of the tablets on the sideline and get instant feedback.

[CJ Vogel]

Sark: Sherrone Moore knows the 'Michigan way.'

[CJ Vogel]

On if as many true freshmen will see the field against Michigan as Colorado State: "I would love to."

Texas played 13 true freshmen. 

"They all showed some physical attributes that we had thought of them."

[CJ Vogel]

Sarkisian gives a lot of credit to his nutritionists and dietitians on staff to help get the big humans right and the newcomers ready to roll.

[CJ Vogel]

Sark says the Michigan D plays with swagger and confidence.

Fortunately, there will be a lot of calming from Ewers - Sark believes – as the third year quarterback knows more about the playcalls and schemes.

[CJ Vogel]

"We have the utmost confidence in Jerrick (Gibson)."

Sarkisian says he will play this weekend.

[CJ Vogel]

Sarkisian says there is a "fair amount of them going" in terms of the true freshmen joining the flight for Ann Arbor.

Sark says that if they are going, there is likely a role for them on the field.

[CJ Vogel]

Sarkisian says his 'OMG' moment came as a player against Washington in week three.

"It was so loud... I think I got sacked 7 or 8 times that year."

Sarkisian says there is another level with opposing stadiums that get very loud. 

[CJ Vogel]

Sarkisian: "I kind of relish being the villain."

[CJ Vogel]

Sarkisian says Ryan Niblett is very comfortable and confident at the WR spot.

Right now, the staff is trying to hone in on the things he needs to learn about the RB position. Sark adds that Niblett has become a weapon on the special forces unit.

Niblett hit over 22 mph in game speed on Saturday against Colorado State.

[goattalk100]

I think with the expanded playoff, they will play more young guys in this game. I think that also shows this staff feels extremely confident, not only in the young guys abilities, but also about this team going into this game. I think secretly Sark thinks we should blow the doors off this team.

[CJ Vogel]

Sarkisian says the challenge is how Davis Warren operates the offense – protection checks and audibles.

Sarkisian says it is critical for the Texas defense to recognize when Alex Orji is in the ballgame. "We have to be ready for things they have not put on tape yet."

 

[CJ Vogel]

Sarkisian's message to players having to rotate in and out on both sides of the ball:

"Don't count your reps, make your reps count."

[CJ Vogel]

That's all for Sark today.

[Guest]

11 minutes ago, CJ Vogel said:

Sarkisian: "I kind of relish being the villain."

If a team truly takes on the personality of its coach, and Texas takes on this attitude of ENJOYING being the villain, Texas is about to stomp Michigan by two scores or more.

[Keelaannn]

The way niblett gets brought up in every sark press conference gives me belief he’s gonna make some plays this year 

[Jbro52]

37 minutes ago, CJ Vogel said:

Sarkisian's message to players having to rotate in and out on both sides of the ball:

"Don't count your reps, make your reps count."

I think this is the most important comment he’s made all week 

[Shane]

54 minutes ago, CJ Vogel said:

Sarkisian: "I kind of relish being the villain."

This ! Got to love it 

[Guest]

@Bobby Burton Do you still got Texas losing to Michigan this Saturday? 

[Evan Andreolli]

3 hours ago, Keelaannn said:

The way niblett gets brought up in every sark press conference gives me belief he’s gonna make some plays this year 

He could really move, laterally too in the few snaps he received.