College Football 2021: Why the Texas offense should thrive under Steve Sarkisian

Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian speaks to the media during Big 12 media days at AT&T… — Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian speaks to the media during Big 12 media days at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

By Diante Lee
Posted Aug 20, 2021 5:45 am EDT

The Nick Saban coaching tree has struck gold — or oil, more appropriately — for the University of Texas. Steve Sarkisian stepped into the Longhorns facility fresh off of coordinating what was arguably the best, and undoubtedly the most effective, offense we’ve ever seen in college football.

Following up the near-perfect 2019 LSU Tigers, the 2020 Alabama Crimson Tide eclipsed them in offensive grade (98.6 to 95.2) and estimated points added (EPA) per play (.324 to .301) while similarly dominating every opponent on the schedule.

Was playing around with something this morning looking at coaches who over/under perform their baseline metrics with decision making. Found something weird.

Did you know that Alabama had only SIX 4th downs in quarters 1-3 of SEC play in 2020 before garbage time?

SIX! pic.twitter.com/c4Uu2RhJhl

— Bud Elliott (@BudElliott3) August 12, 2021

“Sark” has long been hailed as a 99th percentile talent evaluator and high-school recruiter. At the flagship program in the talent-rich state of Texas, he should have no problems stocking the cupboard with high-level players.

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