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Whether or not Texas linebacker Jaylan Ford ever studied philosophy, he believes basking in the Alabama upset is equivalent to Socrates drinking the hemlock.
Hence Ford’s social media post “OK I’ve seen enough, it’s all rat poison now” Sunday, a day after 34-24 victory over the Crimson Tide. Ford’s quote plays off of a phrase Alabama head coach Nick Saban often uses: Rat poison. Meaning listening to positive reactions from fans and media that often lead to a drop-off in performance. .
“It was just a whole bunch of facts,” Ford explained on SiriusXM Radio recently.
"ok I’ve seen enough, it’s all ? poison now."
Fresh off Texas upsetting No. 3 Alabama, @TexasFootball LB Jaylan Ford told @DustyDvoracek & @GabeIkard on Big 12 Radio about why he posted that on Sunday night and not getting too caught up in one win.@Jaylanfxrd | #HookEm ? pic.twitter.com/ftrD3COkJr
— College Sports on SiriusXM (@SXMCollege) September 12, 2023
Ford listed off the first top 5 ranking since 2010 for Texas and the first double-digit win over a Saban-coached Alabama team as examples. It motivated the senior, who had 5 tackles in the win, to address the hype.
“Once Sunday hits, once Monday hits, we’ve really got to flip the switch and focus on the next opponent,” Ford said. “The game is behind you now, so it’s like what you did doesn’t really matter. You’ve got to go out there and win a game.”
“That’s where the rat poison came from … just don’t really believe the hype and get complacent,” Ford said. “There’s still a lot to go out there and achieve. There’s still a long season ahead and we’ve got to keep pushing and keep striving to be better.”
Texas hosts Wyoming (2-0) on Saturday. The Cowboys beat one Texas team already with a 35-33 upset of the Texas Tech Red Raiders on Sept. 2.
