Nick Saban believes Texas is ready for the SEC. So should you.
Texas isn’t sneaking quietly into the SEC, observing before speaking up. Quite the opposite. If everything is bigger in Texas, that includes their bravado.
Texas joined the nation’s toughest, wealthiest, deepest, and most boastful conference like a bull in a china shop.
“We’re not here just to participate. We’re here to win,” declared Texas school president Jay Hartzell on the eve of the Longhorns’ move to the SEC.
If you thought the SEC had a big ego, wait until Texas gets involved.
“We firmly believe the SEC is where we belong,” emphasized Texas board of regents chairman Kevin Eltife recently.
I agree with his assessment.
Both the SEC and Texas share a passion for football, financial success, and self-promotion. They’re like-minded entities coming together at last.
There’s been speculation that the SEC might temper Texas’ ego. I don’t think so. Instead, the SEC will likely provide a platform where Texas’ confidence can thrive, akin to how Dennis Rodman flourished with the 1990s Bulls.
SEC sure seems giddy to have Texas Longhorns
The SEC went to great lengths to welcome the Longhorns. It was a reception fit for royalty.
On July 1, the SEC’s league office tweeted a formal welcome to Texas even before welcoming Oklahoma. The SEC Network set up for a live broadcast in Austin before heading to Norman the following day.
Can you tell who’s in a supporting role?
The SEC also selected Dallas as the host city for the conference’s media days, a first-ever move west of Birmingham.
While the SEC is undoubtedly pleased to have added traditional powerhouse Oklahoma, there’s a palpable excitement about Texas. Why? Texas exudes revenue and is one of the wealthiest brands in college athletics.
Moreover, the SEC may recognize that Texas is positioned to become one of the most prominent, formidable, and audacious programs in this assertive conference.
Nick Saban endorses Texas football
Even the greatest of all time shows respect for the Longhorns.
Nick Saban, who used to dominate the spotlight on Wednesdays during media days, now finds himself on the SEC Network set. He praised the Longhorns ahead of their appearance on stage Wednesday.
Saban, a seven-time national champion coach, predicted that Georgia and Texas would face off in Atlanta for the SEC championship game.
Saban witnessed the power of Steve Sarkisian’s team last season when Texas defeated Alabama convincingly at Bryant-Denny Stadium on their way to a 12-win season.
Saban expressed concern about how Texas’ defense will fare inside, having lost key players from a unit that ranked 15th nationally in scoring defense last year. However, he generally approves of Sarkisian’s roster.
Saban expressed his positive sentiment towards Texas, joking that Alabama kept him around to keep Texas in check with “rat poison.”
Regarding Texas’ influence beyond the football field, Saban noted their significant role in Big 12 decision-making. However, he suggested that their influence may not carry the same weight in the SEC’s boardroom, cautioning against overestimating their power.
Saban remarked on the SEC’s existing arrogance, implying that Texas won’t easily dominate the conference. Nevertheless, he acknowledged Texas’ potential clout.
Regarding Texas’ football team under Steve Sarkisian, Saban believes they will adapt well to their new environment in the SEC, predicting they will be a strong team with Sarkisian at the helm.
Texas will likely be the SEC’s most significant addition yet. The Longhorns played a part in the Southwest Conference’s downfall, and their dominance in the Big 12 contributed to years of discord and dysfunction in that conference. However, in the SEC, Texas’ confidence and assertiveness will fit right in. They’ve found a conference that will welcome and accommodate their strong presence.
