The Texas Longhorns will take the field in New Orleans for the Allstate Sugar Bowl against the Washington Huskies in just a few days. The two teams met in the Alamo Bowl last season, but the stakes are considerably bigger this time. The winner of this game will advance to the championship game in Houston. Linebacker Jaylan Ford, one of the Longhorns’ defensive captains, spoke to the media ahead of the meeting to provide information on everything related to the game. When asked about their mindset, Ford stated that the Longhorns must find a method to reduce their blunders.
“Right now, the team’s mindset is fairly good. I believe that, for the most part, everyone knew their duty and their contribution to the team. “Everyone knows what we need to do to win, so I think it’s just a matter of making sure we clean up the mistakes we’ve made since we started preparing,” Ford said.
Ford has emerged as a star for Texas, leading the team in total tackles with 90 and ranking second on the team with two interceptions. Even when DeMarvion Overshown was in Austin, Ford was seen as the type to lead by example. When asked what is keeping the squad motivated in the midst of their most successful season since 2009, Ford stated that they are not content with whatever they have done.
“I would say not being satisfied is one of the things that keeps driving us,” Ford went on to explain. “Winning the Big 12 championship was a huge accomplishment for us, but when we started the season, we wanted more and wanted to accomplish more.” I believe that was simply a part of the process and our trip for us. We know what we really want to go after, which is a National Championship, and now that we have the opportunity to compete for one, I don’t think anyone wants it more than the guys on this team.”
Despite being seeded lower than Washington, the Longhorns are considered the favorites. The opinion is that both the Texas and Washington defensive backs will be put to the test by great quarterback performance, with this game threatening to become a shootout.
