Steve Sarkisian Criticizes Texas Tech’s Easier Big 12 Football Schedule

The Texas Longhorns have always been a cornerstone of college football. They’re often making headlines with their actions and statements.

Recently, head coach Steve Sarkisian made waves with his comments about strength of schedule and how it affects College Football Playoff (CFP) selections. Sarkisian’s remarks have stirred up debate about whether the current system is fair, especially when you look at the schedules of teams in different conferences.

Let’s dive into what Sarkisian said, what it means for Texas and Texas Tech, and maybe even what’s next for college football as a whole.

Steve Sarkisian’s Comments on Strength of Schedule

At a recent luncheon, Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian really hammered home the importance of strength of schedule in the CFP selection process. He argued that some teams have an easier road to the playoffs, which makes things tougher for everyone else.

Sarkisian pointed out that the Longhorns face a much tougher schedule than other teams in the state. He didn’t name names, but it was pretty clear he was hinting at Texas Tech as a team benefiting from a lighter slate.

The Importance of Strength of Schedule

College football is supposed to be about parity. Teams fight all season for a shot at the playoffs.

Strength of schedule is a big deal for the CFP committee when they’re picking the top 12 teams in the country. Some teams play regular-season games that feel like playoff battles, while others have a smoother ride. That gap can really shake up the final rankings, and it’s no wonder coaches and fans get fired up about it.

Sarkisian’s Implicit Criticism of Texas Tech

Even though Sarkisian didn’t say “Texas Tech” out loud, everyone knew who he meant. He suggested Tech’s schedule is so soft that even Texas’s second and third-string guys could go undefeated with it.

That’s a pretty strong dig, but it gets at the bigger issue—there’s a real imbalance in who plays whom across conferences.

Comparing the Schedules

The numbers back it up. The Longhorns play in what many consider the toughest conference in college football, and their schedule is ranked 15th-toughest overall.

Meanwhile, Texas Tech’s schedule comes in at 24th, second-toughest in the Big 12. BYU had the hardest Big 12 schedule, but it was still easier than what 15 out of 16 SEC teams faced. That’s a wild difference and it makes life harder for teams like Texas trying to punch their ticket to the playoffs.

The Impact on CFP Selections

Sarkisian’s comments really put the spotlight on how the CFP committee evaluates teams. If strength of schedule isn’t properly considered, teams with easy roads could edge out those who’ve fought through tougher competition.

That’s a sore spot for the Longhorns, especially now that they’re in the SEC and facing stiffer opponents every week. Sarkisian’s frustration makes sense—one committee decision could make or break Texas’s playoff dreams.

What This Means for Texas and Texas Tech

For Texas, the job is simple (well, in theory): get through that brutal schedule and prove themselves on the field. They’ve reloaded the roster and are hoping to bring a national championship back to Austin for the first time in more than two decades.

Texas Tech, on the other hand, is working hard to become the Big 12’s top dog. They’re throwing resources at NIL deals and trying to lure in top recruits. It’s a different strategy, but who knows? Maybe it’ll pay off.

Looking Ahead

Honestly, this debate about strength of schedule isn’t going anywhere as long as there are big differences between conferences. The Longhorns will keep pushing for a fairer process, but at the end of the day, it’s about what happens on the field.

As for Texas Tech, they’ll have to show that their wins aren’t just thanks to a lighter schedule. If they can do that, maybe people will start giving them more credit. Or maybe not—college football fans love a good argument.

Steve Sarkisian’s recent remarks have stirred up talk about how much strength of schedule should matter in the CFP selection process.

The Longhorns are up against one of the toughest schedules in college football. Still, they’re sticking to their goal of proving themselves and chasing a national title.

Meanwhile, Texas Tech has to show their wins are legitimate, even if people think their schedule’s a bit softer. It’s a tough road to the College Football Playoff, and not everyone will make it through.

If you’re curious about what Sarkisian actually said, or just want to dive deeper into the drama, check out the full article here.