Longhorns’ Steve Sarkisian discusses keys to beating Nick Saban, Alabama in Week 2

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The Texas Longhorns nearly took down Nick Saban and No. 1 Alabama in 2022, and Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian thinks his 2023 roster has the ability to get over the hump. 

Sarkisian dished on what it will take to beat Alabama at Big 12 Media Days on Wednesday, saying his team contains the necessary traits to pull off the upset in Week 2 of the 2023 college football season. 

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian watches players warm up before the game against the Baylor Bears at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Nov. 25, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Tim Warner/Getty Images)

"We thought we played them well a year ago," Sarkisian said, per the Big 12 transcript. "We didn't play well enough. So the key to the drill when we go there, we have to play better than we did last year. 

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"I think we can. I think we'll have the mental fortitude to go do it, the mental toughness to go do it, and the physical toughness to go do it because it's going to be a physical football game. They're a big, physical football team that will be really well-coached, and we have to make sure they get our best shot because we're going to get theirs for sure, too." 

The Longhorns were minutes away from pulling off the upset in Austin, Texas, last season, taking a 19-17 lead over Alabama with just 1:29 remaining in the game. 

Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, #9, celebrates against Texas during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Rodolfo Gonzalez)

However, Alabama quarterback Bryce Young led the