Sark vs. Golding: Can Texas Outsmart Ole Miss And Save Its Season?

Saturday's Texas-Ole Miss showdown features one of college football's more intriguing coaching matchups.

Steve Sarkisian, known for his offensive creativity, faces Pete Golding, a defensive specialist who has the Rebels challenging for an SEC championship.

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For the No. 19 Longhorns (4-2, 1-2 SEC), the stakes couldn't be much higher.

Texas has dropped consecutive games to Oklahoma and Florida by a combined six points. Another defeat against No. 7 Ole Miss (5-1, 3-1) would leave Sarkisian's team facing a difficult climb back into College Football Playoff contention.

But this matchup is about more than wins and losses. It's a battle between two coaches who see football from different perspectives.

Sarkisian has built his reputation designing explosive offenses and developing quarterbacks. Golding, who took over the Rebels following Lane Kiffin's departure, made his name coordinating defenses at Alabama and Ole Miss.

Golding understands the challenge Sarkisian presents.

"I think Sark's one of the best play callers in the country," Golding said this week while discussing Texas quarterback Arch Manning and the Longhorns' offense.

That's a significant compliment considering Texas ranks just 93rd nationally in total offense, averaging 361.3 yards per game.

The Longhorns have also struggled to establish their running game, producing only 134.5 yards per contest.

Golding's defensive philosophy emphasizes controlling early downs, forcing predictable passing situations and attacking quarterbacks with disguised pressure.

That creates an intriguing test for Sarkisian, whose offense has gone three-and-out on 34.3 percent of its possessions.

Texas desperately needs more creativity and better execution.

The other coaching battle could be equally important.

Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp must find ways to disrupt Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who has thrown for 1,676 yards and accounted for 14 touchdowns this season.

The challenge becomes considerably more difficult with star Texas edge rusher Colin Simmons doubtful because of a high ankle sprain.

Golding and offensive coordinator John David Baker could attempt to exploit that absence with a combination of quarterback movement, quick passing and running back Kewan Lacy.

Ole Miss averages 444.5 yards and 37.5 points per game, while Texas counters with the nation's 12th-ranked total defense.

Sarkisian has praised the Rebels' toughness and balance, recognizing that Golding has kept Ole Miss competitive despite significant coaching changes.

The Rebels have already defeated three ranked opponents, including last week's convincing 31-3 victory over Missouri.

Saturday's 6:30 p.m. CT kickoff at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium gives Sarkisian an opportunity to make a statement against one of the SEC's hottest teams.

Golding, meanwhile, can strengthen his reputation as a head coach by winning another difficult conference road game.

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For Texas, the biggest question remains whether Sarkisian can get his offense functioning against a coach who knows exactly how to attack its weaknesses.

The Longhorns don't need another close loss. They need Sarkisian to win the coaching chess match - and the football game.