AUSTIN (KXAN) — No. 11 Texas heads back on the road this week to take on No. 5 Georgia, looking to continue the team’s win streak in the Southeastern Conference. One of the toughest teams in the conference, facing the Bulldogs on the road, will be no easy task.
Despite the obstacle that lies ahead, the Longhorns are used to the road. Texas has played five conference opponents so far this season, facing three as the away team, and one in a neutral location. They spent the entire month of October playing games outside of Austin.
With both of the Longhorns’ losses this season coming on the road, head coach Steve Sarkisian says there are a few components the team must hit Saturday to secure a victory.
“One of the key components on the road is trying to minimize the self-inflicted wounds. When you look at the two losses that we had, you know, we had opportunities at Ohio State to change, really change the complexion of that game,” Sarkisian said. “I think part of that is red zone efficiency offensively…[and] we didn’t win the turnover battle in either of those games. So those are the two main components there.”
Against Ohio State, Texas made two trips into the red zone, turning the ball over on downs on both occasions. While facing Florida, Texas’s only other loss this season, the Longhorns once again made it to the red zone twice, converting on both attempts with touchdowns.
On Sarkisian’s second component, while Texas didn’t force a turnover against Ohio State, they recovered a fumble and had an interception against the Gators. While the team fell short in both games, Sarkisian said his guys showed glimpses of greatness.
“I do think in both of those games, there were things to take away from that I was proud of,” Sarkisian said. “I thought our guys showed great poise and composure late in both of those games … I think we learned a lot about ourselves in our fight … [and] I think those games helped us later in the year.”
While Texas seemingly struggled in its two losses, the Longhorns were still in position to win them. Since the loss to the Gators, Texas has won four consecutive games in the SEC.
One of the conference’s top teams, which has found its stride in the past few weeks, the team that lost two road games earlier this season is not the same one traveling to Athens.
The game is currently set for a 6:30 p.m. CT kickoff from Sanford Stadium.
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