Here’s a bold statement: Texas’s College Football Playoff (CFP) chances are hanging by a thread, and the next few weeks will either make or break their season. But here’s where it gets controversial—despite a shaky performance and a glaring loss to Florida, the Longhorns find themselves just outside the 12-team playoff field at No. 11. Is this committee’s decision fair, or are they giving Texas too much leeway? Let’s dive in.
Steve Sarkisian’s team has undeniably had its moments, pulling off impressive wins against powerhouses like Oklahoma and Vanderbilt. Yet, that Florida loss remains a stain on their record, raising questions about their consistency. Still, ESPN’s Booger McFarland isn’t writing them off just yet. He believes Texas has a clear path to the CFP—if they can clean up their act.
And this is the part most people miss: McFarland argues, ‘As inconsistent as Texas has looked this season, they’re still in the hunt. With plenty of games left, they have the opportunity to climb the ranks. If they step up their game, the Playoff isn’t out of reach.’ But is this optimism warranted, or is it wishful thinking?
While Texas sits at 7-2, not all victories have been convincing. Two SEC wins, against Kentucky and Mississippi State, stand out—both nail-biting overtime thrillers, with the latter requiring a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback. ESPN’s Greg McElroy sums it up perfectly: ‘Just win, baby.’ Style points? Not so much. The committee seems to care more about the W than how it’s earned.
McElroy adds, ‘It’s not about looking pretty. Texas is scraping by, but they’re getting it done. The committee appears to value results over aesthetics.’ But here’s the question: Should close wins against mid-tier teams be enough to secure a CFP spot? Or should the committee demand more dominant performances?
With a bye week ahead, Texas has a brief respite before the schedule intensifies. First up? A daunting trip to Athens to face the No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs—a team that swept them last season, both in Austin and the SEC Championship. ESPN’s Joey Galloway puts it bluntly: ‘In two weeks, we’ll see what Texas is truly made of.’
Even if they falter against Georgia, the Longhorns still have opportunities. Two rivalry games at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium await, starting with Arkansas and culminating in the highly anticipated showdown with Texas A&M. But here’s the real debate: Can Texas afford another slip-up, or will their CFP dreams crumble under pressure?
Tuesday’s rankings placed Texas exactly where McFarland believes they belong—for now. Yet, the next month will be the true test. Will they secure a third straight CFP appearance, or will their inconsistencies catch up to them? What do you think? Is Texas deserving of a playoff spot, or are they riding on luck and narrow wins? Let us know in the comments—this is one discussion you won’t want to miss!
