For any of the incoming players on the Texas roster who didn’t get to experience the hostility of Tuscaloosa last season, this weekend’s matchup in Ann Arbor is going to be a wake-up call.
The Longhorns enter the largest stadium in the country, also known as “The Big House,” as a seven-point favorite to beat Michigan on its own turf, adding fuel to the already dangerous fire that is expected to ensue on Saturday.
During the Texas football media availability on Monday, head coach Steve Sarkisian laid out the ground rules for how the guys can see success on the road in a similar fashion to how they approached last year’s matchup in Alabama, where they went on to defeat the Crimson Tide 34-24.
“I think one of the keys is that one, you have to have great poise and composure when you’re on the road in these types of environments,” Sarkisian said. “This is a game of emotion. There’s no question, but we need to make sure that we don’t get emotional in the arena. Two is playing with a real sense of confidence and belief in who we are and our style of play.”
Similarly, senior tight end Gunnar Helm mentioned that one of the key elements to a satisfying game against the Wolverines, whether it’s a win or a loss, is knowing that everyone came prepared and played to Texas’ unique standard of football. This includes having built up resilience to the stress that comes with playing on the road.
“I think we just got to play our game. These coaches put us in great positions to succeed on both sides of the ball,” Helm said when asked what he wants to see from his teammates on Saturday. “So just preparation, getting ready for this game and just not falling under the pressure of the atmosphere for the young guys.”
This might be a reiteration for all 46 returning Longhorns who did travel to Tuscaloosa, but for those just now making a name for themselves, the word ‘intimidating’ may barely scratch the surface of what they’re expecting Ann Arbor to feel like.
However, senior defensive back Jahdae Barron said he’s been easing the pressure for the team’s younger counterparts who have yet to face a former national champion. Barron has already proven himself as someone who can translate Sarkisian’s standards of confidence and composure onto the field, and now looks to establish that within the next generation of competitors.
He said in order to come in strong against Michigan, comparison of years prior has to be left at the door along with any fear that newcomers may have when put in front of 100,000 Michigan fans.
“I mean, anything we did last year, it doesn’t matter. Anything they did last year doesn’t matter,” Barron said. “At the end of the day, they’re going to give us our best shot, and we will make sure we deliver our best shot.”
Barron specifically described how he puts things into perspective by taking away the bright lights and screaming crowd and replacing them with a fence and some fresh-cut grass.
“It’s just backyard football, just go out there and have fun and don’t ever take anything for granted,” Barron said. “Just to kind of tell the young guys, it’s just playing football like you’re a little kid. It’s higher stakes, obviously, but at the end of the day, just smile and go out there and have fun.”
A victory against the Wolverines isn’t out of the question, but Texas will need to channel the same faith it brought against Alabama last year if it wants to disturb Michigan’s 22-home-game win streak.
