The big game picture is getting clearer as teams secure their spots for the quarterfinals. Steve Sarkisian and No. 5 Texas took the crown in their matchup against No. 12 Clemson. However, the sweet victory didn’t come without a cost as several players suffered injuries inside DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. But fret not, for things are likely in good hands. 

On December 22, football insider Anwar Richardson posted about the Longhorns’ health report on X. As per Steve Sarkisian’s update, “Tre Wisner banged his knee and was available to return; Jake Majors was available to come back; they will get an MRI on Cam Williams’ knee on Saturday night.”

Good thing that these star players are coming back. Steve Sarkisian reported that they were available to return for the second half but they decided to keep them on rest. RB Tre Wisner “banged his knee” as his HC said, in the first half of the game and returned. Starting OL Jake Majors will also be back but the update on another Longhorns OL starter Cameron Williams is still pending. 

Despite the unfortunate setbacks, Texas didn’t suffer nevertheless as they delivered a 38-24 defeat to the Tigers in the first round of the playoffs. And it’s crucial that their players are 100% healthy in the days leading up to the Peach Bowl. The Longhorns will now advance to the playoff quarterfinals to play against No. 4 seed Arizona State on New Year’s Day. And there’s going to be bad blood boiling for that matchup! 

Steve Sarkisian and Texas’ path to the national championship 

It shouldn’t be hard, should it? Texas will enter the quarterfinals against Big 12 champ ASU as a 13.5-point favorite. Their strength of schedule is one factor to consider. The Longhorns’ schedule strength ranks No. 15 while the Sun Devils are No. 35, respectively as per College Football Network. Texas played five Top 25 opponents, losing only to Georgia in both the regular season and the SEC Championship game. ASU also faced and defeated all four Top 25 opponents in a less difficult Big 12 schedule. 

Still, Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns should be prepared for an intense competition. The Sun Devils have one former Texas player on their team who has more reasons to look forward to the upcoming 57th annual Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Zac Swanson’s unceremonious exit with the Longhorns is one factor that might make the clash a tad bit personal. 

Come what may, there’s still time to prepare for the best and worst. An upset would be an irrevocable mistake for Steve Sarkisian who is so close to winning the National Championship in his first season in the SEC.