Goodwin says Sarkisian's Texas Offense a "Huge, Huge Challenge"
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Clemson defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin knows exactly what kind of challenge lies ahead when the Tigers take on Steve Sarkisian’s Texas Longhorns in the first round of the College Football Playoff. Saturday’s matchup at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium pits 12-seed Clemson against 5-seed Texas, with the Tigers entering as 12-point underdogs. While the Longhorns’ defense has garnered much of the national spotlight, Sarkisian’s reputation as an offensive mastermind remains a focal point for Clemson’s preparation.
“They’re fired up,” Goodwin said of his defense. “Obviously, I am as well. People coach and play this game for a lifetime and never get these type of experiences. Truly grateful for this opportunity.”
Goodwin’s appreciation for the moment was evident—as he will coordinate his first-ever CFB Playoff Game—but his focus quickly shifted to the daunting task at hand.
“The guys have been practicing with a lot of fire and energy and have been fired up and attentive to the details. It’s been a great start the past few days,” Goodwin noted during his press conference this week.
Texas enters the playoff boasting one of the most balanced offenses in the nation. Sarkisian, widely regarded as one of the most creative playcallers of the modern era, has built a system that thrives on versatility and precision. Goodwin didn’t mince words when describing the challenge.
“Really all-around elite offense,” he said. “Coach Sark, he’s an unbelievable coordinator and playcaller and I’ve always had a lot of respect for him over the years and how he does things. The quarterback (Quinn Ewers) is a really good player. Very smart, very savvy. Knows where to go with the football. Is a really good game manager.”
Clemson’s defense, anchored by senior linebacker Barrett Carter and sophomore standout Peter Woods, will face a Texas unit loaded with talent.
“[They’ve] always got elite skill being at Texas,” Goodwin noted. “A great wide-out group. Running backs are No. 23 and No. 26. They’re really, really good players. They’re massive up front. It’ll be a huge, huge challenge.”
Sarkisian’s schemes, often lauded for their complexity, feature layers of deception designed to disorient defenses. Goodwin acknowledged this aspect, highlighting the importance of preparation and discipline.
“I think he manipulates and has a lot of eye candy,” Goodwin said. “If you boil down his system, it’s not, I wouldn’t say simple, but they do what they do from a play standpoint, and they have a million different ways to window dress it.”
Goodwin’s defense has spent the week sharpening its ability to handle the pre-snap motions, shifts, and adjustments that are hallmarks of Sarkisian’s offense.
“You’ve got to be great with your adjustments, all the motion, shifts, pre-snap stuff. Obviously, he does a great job of taking shots down the field, layered routes, max-pro,” Goodwin stated. “His run game is very complex with all the eye candy and moving parts.”
The Tigers’ defensive coordinator also emphasized the need to anticipate Sarkisian’s complementary playcalling.
“I feel like he’s very, very balanced as a playcaller, run/pass. He’s usually 50-50 on a lot of things, and everything that he does schematically, he has a complimentary play off of it. So if you take away one thing, then you have to also be able to take away the compliment off that play.”
Goodwin’s respect for Sarkisian’s ingenuity was evident, but so was his confidence in his players. “The eye candy first and foremost, and then all the shots and gadget stuff that you have to deal with as well,” he said. “But that’s what makes this fun. We’ve got a chance to go out there, compete, and prove ourselves on a big stage.”
Kickoff is set for 4:00 PM ET on Saturday, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. For Clemson, the path forward begins with disrupting one of college football’s most dynamic offenses. As Goodwin summed it up, “It’ll be a huge, huge challenge.” The Tigers wouldn’t have it any other way.
