In the world of college football, coaches are known for using various motivational tools to inspire their teams, and Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian is no exception. Ahead of a pivotal matchup, Sarkisian turned to an unexpected source for inspiration—Notre Dame’s shocking loss to Northern Illinois University (NIU). While Notre Dame is one of the most storied programs in college football history, their defeat at the hands of a much smaller and lesser-known opponent served as a reminder of the unpredictability of the sport.

Sarkisian wanted his Texas team to understand that, regardless of rankings or reputations, any team can be beaten on any given day if they don’t bring their best effort. He highlighted Notre Dame’s loss as a cautionary tale, pointing out that complacency can quickly lead to an upset, and even a powerhouse program can be humbled by an underdog if they’re not fully focused.

The lesson was clear: Texas, too, could fall victim to an upset if they took their opponents lightly or failed to execute the fundamentals of the game. Sarkisian emphasized the importance of preparation, discipline, and consistency. He told his players that their fate wasn’t determined by their name or their past successes, but by the effort and execution they brought to the field in each game.

Sarkisian’s message resonated with his team, reminding them that respect for their opponent and attention to detail were critical to their success. By using Notre Dame’s loss as an example, he was able to reinforce the notion that no team is invincible and that success must be earned every time they step onto the field.

This motivational tactic ultimately helped galvanize the Texas Longhorns, who took to heart the idea that they could be the next victim of an upset if they didn’t approach each game with the right mindset. By highlighting Notre Dame’s misstep, Sarkisian ensured that his team stayed focused and hungry, avoiding the complacency that could lead to disaster.