Texas HC Steve Sarkisian's wife Loreal Sarkisian once suffered an allergic reaction before Sugar Bowl game

Texas Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian faced more than just a tough game at the Sugar Bowl last season. His wife, Loreal Sarkisian, had a challenging start to their trip to New Orleans due to an allergic reaction.

Ahead of the College Football Playoff semifinal between the Washington Huskies and the Texas Longhorns at Caesars Superdome on Jan. 2, Loreal's excitement was quickly dampened when she woke up with one eye noticeably more swollen than the other.

In a video recorded on Dec. 28, 2023, and shared on her YouTube channel, she said:

“I had an allergic reaction to something last night, I was so cute when I got here, only to go to bed looking like somebody came across my ****. This is such a big week for everybody involved, going to show up for my husband, the team, everybody.

“And then obviously like myself, only to take a shower after a great day, get in the bed, and then my eye just started. One is more swollen than the other, though, that's odd that they're not the same.”

The week was significant for Steve Sarkisian, with the Longhorns fighting for a spot in the national championship game.

As for the matchup, former Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. led the No. 2 Huskies to a 37-31 victory, throwing for 430 yards and two touchdowns, securing their spot in the final. While the No. 3 Longhorns fell short, Loreal’s experience was a challenging moment.

Steve Sarkisian urges Texas to not fall into the same trap as Notre Dame in Week 3

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian - Source: Imagn

Steve Sarkisian urged Texas to stay focused and not fall into the same trap as Notre Dame. As the No. 2-ranked Longhorns (2-0) gear up for their Week 3 clash against UTSA (1-1) on Saturday, Sarkisian used the Fighting Irish's recent misstep as a cautionary tale.

"Human nature is human nature," he said Monday, according to ESPN.

Sarkisian pointed out Notre Dame's rise after a big win over Texas A&M in College Station, only to stumble the following week against Northern Illinois.

"So, what did I do this morning?" Sarkisian said. "I walked them through the Notre Dame scenario of [the Irish] going into College Station a week ago and winning that game and being anointed a top-five team and in the College Football Playoff, then a week later losing to Northern Illinois."

He reminded his players of how quickly things can change, showing them the clip of Northern Illinois' game-winning field goal and the celebration that followed.

“We're going to have to earn the victory here Saturday night,” Sarkisian said after their 31-12 victory over then-No. 10 Michigan, which moved Texas to No. 2 in the AP Top 25.

The Longhorns coach's message was clear: nothing is guaranteed. Texas has a strong team, but it has to earn every victory.