Texas Pushes CFP Case After Upset Over Texas A&M

The Texas Longhorns closed out their regular season with a statement victory, defeating the Texas A&M Aggies and handing them their first loss of the year. The win not only boosted morale but also dashed A&M’s hopes of reaching the SEC Championship.

Texas finished the season with three losses, including setbacks against Florida, Mississippi State in overtime, and Kentucky in overtime, which could weigh heavily against them in the eyes of the CFP selection committee. Despite this, the Longhorns are still presenting a case for playoff inclusion based on key wins over high-quality opponents.

Head coach Steve Sarkisian has taken a more vocal approach in advocating for his team, publicly questioning the criteria the committee uses to evaluate teams and emphasizing the importance of beating strong opponents rather than padding statistics.

Sarkisian’s comments, while drawing attention to Texas’ strengths, also serve as a critique of how other teams, including Miami, have run up scores in games such as their recent blowout over Pittsburgh. The remarks reflect Texas’ urgency in influencing the committee before the final rankings are released.

1. Texas’ Season Highlights and Challenges

Texas’ season included several impressive victories that strengthen their playoff resume, particularly wins against high-profile programs. These marquee wins provide leverage as the committee evaluates teams on quality of competition. However, the Longhorns’ three losses present challenges. Close overtime defeats to Mississippi State and Kentucky, coupled with the loss to Florida, could overshadow their accomplishments when compared to other bubble teams. The victory over Texas A&M was particularly impactful, demonstrating Texas’ ability to compete against top-tier SEC opponents. It also provided a morale boost and highlighted the team’s growth over the season. Balancing these strengths and weaknesses will be crucial as the selection committee weighs Texas’ inclusion. The Longhorns must rely on both their résumé and narrative to make a compelling case for a playoff berth.

2. Sarkisian’s Public Advocacy

Coach Steve Sarkisian has been increasingly direct in promoting Texas’ playoff case, questioning whether the committee evaluates wins holistically or relies primarily on statistics. He emphasized the value of beating quality opponents over simply accumulating impressive numbers. In a recent statement, Sarkisian implied that some teams may enhance their appearance by running up scores, indirectly referencing Miami’s 38-7 win over Pittsburgh. His comments suggest that he believes the committee should focus on on-field performance rather than purely on scorelines. While Sarkisian’s approach brings attention to Texas’ strengths, it could be seen as controversial. Publicly questioning the committee’s evaluation methods may or may not influence their decision in Texas’ favor. Nevertheless, the coach’s comments underscore the team’s determination to make a case for inclusion and reflect a broader strategy of advocating for their performance in high-stakes games.

3. Postseason Outlook

Texas will learn its College Football Playoff fate on Sunday, with the committee’s final rankings determining whether the Longhorns secure a coveted spot. The final decision will consider both their impressive wins and their season losses. The bubble remains crowded, with other teams like Miami vying for the remaining spots, making the evaluation highly competitive. Close contests and head-to-head results are likely to be heavily scrutinized. The Longhorns’ late-season statement win against Texas A&M provides a strong talking point and demonstrates the team’s ability to perform under pressure, which could weigh positively in the committee’s deliberations. Ultimately, Texas’ playoff hopes hinge on whether the committee prioritizes quality wins and competitive performance over a clean record. Their recent performances have positioned them for consideration, but nothing is guaranteed.