Putting the Week 1 game plan together must be one of the toughest jobs of the year for Texas coach Steve Sarkisian. There is the unknown of new quarterback Arch Manning’s first start. There’s his reaction to the hostile crowd at Ohio State’s famous Horseshoe. There’s a new defensive coordinator for the Buckeyes.
Sark talked about the challenges on Fox Sports‘ the Herd with Colin Cowherd Thursday. The biggest challenge might be figuring out what new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia might do. The longtime DC during the New England Patriots dynasty and former Detroit Lions head coach will bring a new scheme to Columbus.
“We’re going against a really good defensive coordinator in Matt Patricia, which I don’t think people are talking a whole lot about.” – Texas coach Steve Sarkisian with Colin Cowherd
“The guy’s been raised watching tape with Eli, Peyton, his dad, and his grandpa… We’re gonna feel good about that.”@colincowherd and @TexasFootball HC @CoachSark talk about what to expect from Arch Manning in the season opener at Ohio State pic.twitter.com/hrkAsxPQRP
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) July 24, 2025
“Putting a plan together that we feel good about also gives Arch a little bit of freedom to get us in and out of some things that as looks present themselves in the game, because there’s so many unknowns, I think is going to be critical. And he’s more than capable of doing that. You know, the guy’s been raised watching tape of Eli, Peyton, his dad and his grandpa. We’re going to feel good about that. And he’s got great composure and he’s been in some fires with us already. So we’ll feel good about it.” “We’re going against a really good defensive coordinator in Matt Patricia, which I don’t think people are talking a whole lot about.” – Texas coach Steve Sarkisian with Colin Cowherd
Sark says they won’t over-complicate the offense for Manning. The environment and assignment will be tough enough. But they also want Manning to get a taste of checking out of a look at big moments.
“Do we want to major in him having to audible on the road? That’s a dangerous thing to do on the road. But we’re going to give him the opportunity to do those things, especially in some critical moments.” – Texas coach Steve Sarkisian with Colin Cowherd
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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Sark explains game planning for Arch Manning vs. Ohio State in Week 1