NEW ORLEANS — The buildup continues for Monday night's Sugar Bowl, which serves as one of the semifinals in the College Football Playoff.
Saturday was media day, at which we got to catch up with the players and the coaches.
"We're ready to play tomorrow," said Texas lineman T'Vondre Sweat, who payed his high school football in Huntsville. "We're ready to play any day. We're ready to play when we first touched down in New Orleans."
It's the first College Football Playoff for both the Longhorns and Steve Sarkisian as a head coach.
"To be part of this Final Four, to be playing for for a shot for a national championship, you know, I think that that's why our guys came to the University of Texas," Sarkisian said.
It's also Sarkisian's best year in charge, three wins better than his next best season at USC and so far, four better than when he was the head coach a decade ago at Washington -- the team they play Monday.
"Well, I'm very grateful, very thankful for that opportunity and, like I said, I think it's shaped who I am today for those five years that I got a chance to have there," Sarkisian said.
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It's no surprise Texas' roster is brimming with Lone Star talent, specifically from Houston.
"Houston always bring out great athletes," Sweat said.
"I don't know. I guess we produce great talent in Houston," said Texas lineman Kelvin Banks, Jr., who played in high school at Summer Creek.
And the idea of being one win away from a national championship in their hometown is heartwarming.
"An opportunity to go down as a legend in my hometown? Man, that's on Him," said Texas linebacker David Bgenda, pointing up.
Bgenda, who played in high school at Cinco Ranch, was referring to the College Football Playoff, which will be Jan. 2 at NRG Stadium in Houston.
Despite being undefeated, the Huskies are Sugar Bowl underdogs.
"Our theme this year is us versus us, said Huskies' quarterback and Heisman finalist Michael Penix Jr.
Penix will have a hand and arm in the outcome of this game. Penix leads the nation in passing.
"I feel like they're coached very well and they got some good players as well too, but I feel like we're going to be ready for the challenge," he said.
"We're a great team," Sweat said. "That's a great team we're playing against,"
We expect to hear from both of those head coaches Sunday, one last time as we get closer to kickoff, which is Monday night at 8 p.m.