Coming into Week 9, Texas (5-2) sits in a precarious position. The two losses mean that they can’t afford another one. Moreover, considering their inconsistent offensive play, even a winnable game can become a close fight, as we saw against Kentucky last year. Next up, they face Mississippi State. To prepare for the game, Steve Sarkisian is going an extra step. He’s also taking into account the 12th man for Mississippi State. The environment at Davis Wade Stadium itself!

We have seen other head coaches, too, trying to navigate an intimidating atmosphere by simulating the same with their team at practice. Dan Lanning did that most recently, when he literally blared loudspeakers to create a mini-death valley in Eugene for the Penn State game. Steve Sarkisian is following Dan Lanning’s foots

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