The Texas Longhorns are set to kick off their highly anticipated 2024 season on Saturday afternoon as they host the Colorado State Rams in Austin. Coming off a Big 12 title and a College Football Playoff berth, the Longhorns enter the season ranked #4 and are heavy favorites in their opener. However, head coach Steve Sarkisian is not taking Colorado State lightly.
Ahead of the matchup, Sarkisian praised Colorado State head coach Jay Norvell and his team, emphasizing that the Rams will be a formidable opponent. Sarkisian highlighted the strengths of the Rams, noting their solid fundamentals and the challenges they present in all phases of the game.
“We’ve got a very tough opponent,” Sarkisian said, according to an article from the Coloradoan. “Coach Norvell has done a really good job of building that program back up at Colorado State. I know they were 5-7 last year, but there were a lot of close games that could have gone either way. They have a veteran offensive line, a very veteran defense with two all-conference safeties who have played a lot of football, and a very intricate special teams unit. They’re a very well-coached team. They challenge you mentally as well as physically. This is going to require a great week of preparation from our players, not only physically, but mentally, because they’re going to be tested in all three phases.”
Despite the looming Week 2 showdown with #9 Michigan, Sarkisian made it clear that his team is fully focused on the task at hand against Colorado State.
A Key Player to Watch
Among the talented players on the Colorado State roster, one in particular has caught Sarkisian’s eye: wide receiver Tory Horton.
“They have a very explosive offense that likes to throw the ball around. A dynamic receiver in Tory Horton,” Sarkisian noted. “Where’s he lining up? They move him around a fair amount. We need to be able to win at the top of routes against him. He’s got good length, and once he gets in the open field, he can run away from you. It’s going to be important that we get multiple hats to the ball, not just with him, but with everybody.”
Horton was a standout for the Rams last season, recording 96 receptions for 1,136 yards and eight touchdowns. Texas will need to keep a close eye on him throughout the game.
The Longhorns and Rams will kick off from DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas, on Saturday at 3:30 PM ET. The game will air on ESPN, with Texas favored by 32 points.
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