The Texas coach made some pointed remarks about the Arkansas fan base on Wednesday, prompting a response from the Razorbacks coach on Thursday.
DALLAS — Texas coach Steve Sarkisian spoke openly Wednesday about the Longhorns’ rivalries with Oklahoma and Texas A&M, but it was his comments about their renewed rivalry with Arkansas that drew the most attention.
“They hate Texas more than they like themselves,” Sarkisian said.
Naturally, Razorbacks coach Sam Pittman was asked Thursday about Sarkisian’s statement.
“I will say this: we hadn’t played Texas for years, and when we played them a couple of years back, it was the most excited our fan base has been in a while. So I would say he’s probably right.”
Arkansas won that meeting in Fayetteville 40-21 back in 2021 while Texas was deciding between Hudson Card and current Oklahoma QB Casey Thompson at quarterback. The Longhorns finished just 5-7 in Sarkisian’s first season in Austin.
However, Texas leads the all-time head-to-head series 56-23, with a 71 percent win rate for UT compared to 29 percent for Arkansas.
The old Southwest Conference rivals will renew their hostilities on Nov. 16, when they meet again in Fayetteville, this time as Southeastern Conference foes.
“We’re looking forward to it,” Sarkisian said. “We’re looking forward to renewing rivalries with Texas A&M and with Arkansas. We’re one of the few schools with realignment that has benefitted from realignment because we’ve gotten some rivalries back.”
The Longhorns are coming off a College Football Playoff appearance and their first Big 12 title in 15 years, while the Razorbacks finished 4-8 last year and 1-7 in SEC play.
“You know, the difference is Texas is certainly a different team than what we played,” Pittman said. “That was his first year there. And now, obviously, he’s a great coach, great guy, and has a wonderful football team.”
“But I’m glad that we’re gonna play him at home again. You know, I don’t know if that’s fair because they came here two years ago.
“But it’s already more than a game. So he’s probably correct. You’d have to ask the old hats of Arkansas, but he’s probably right.”
For Pittman, his focus remains on building a winning program. After going 9-4 in his second season, the Razorbacks have posted records of 7-6 and 4-8 over the past two years.
For a program like Arkansas, an expanded playoff field to 12 teams “gives you life,” Pittman said.
“I’d like to get to the damn SEC championship game.”