Texas Post-Bye Week: How Previous Games Showcase Strength in This Niche

The Texas Longhorns have developed a strong post-bye week reputation under head coach Steve Sarkisian, so it will be interesting to see how they fare this season in games where they have additional time to prepare.

Nov 9, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) escapes Florida Gators defensive back Trikweze Bridges (7) while looking to pass during the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

As they approach their first of two bye weeks in 2025, the Texas Longhorns train with their matchup against the Florida Gators on the mind. 

They will head to Gainesville, Florida, for this conference opener on Oct. 4, a game in which they will have had two weeks to get themselves ready for.

Injured players will have the next two weeks to nurse any scratches and sores that might have held them back these past few weeks, and this added time to focus on one opponent could help them in terms of preparedness. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns have built quite a reputation coming off bye weeks.

Texas after bye weeks in recent years

Dec 7, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Texas Longhorns place kicker Bert Auburn (45) kicks the game tying field goal to send the game into overtime against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half in the 2024 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Sarkisian is in his fifth year with the Longhorns, and Orangebloods drew attention to the fact that he has established a post-bye week record of 4-1 during his tenure. 

In 2024, Texas had two bye weeks, and they followed both with decisive conference victories. The first of these matchups was last year’s Red River Rivalry game, which involved Texas beating Oklahoma with a score of 34-3 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. The second took place at home against Florida, and the Longhorns claimed a 49-17 victory. 

Both of these wins helped fuel Texas's successful run in SEC play, which culminated in an SEC Championship appearance and selection into the College Football Playoff. 

In 2022 and 2023, respectively, the Longhorns returned after bye weeks to beat Kansas State 34-26 and Houston 31-24, both on the road. 

Their post-bye week loss during the Sarkisian era came back in 2021, when they fell short at Baylor with a final score of 31-24. They finished their 2021 season with a record of 5-7.

It’s hard to determine whether or not success coming off a bye week can determine a team’s success as the season progresses, but it certainly can’t hurt to capitalize on having fresh legs and more time to assemble a game plan.

Multiple Longhorns have been dealing with injuries in recent weeks, so this extra time could be just what the doctor ordered for this team. 

Only time will tell how strong Texas will perform after their bye weeks this season, both this upcoming one and the one that will take place between their matchups against Vanderbilt and Georgia at the beginning of November. 

Both of these post-bye week matchups will take place on the road, and winning could be crucial if the Longhorns want to extend their season into the 2025 College Football Playoff.