As the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings continue to shape the road to the postseason, Texas Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian’s squad finds itself in the hot seat. While the team has had an impressive season, questions about their placement in the rankings have arisen. Some insiders and analysts are raising concerns about whether Texas truly deserves the third spot, especially given their performance compared to other teams in the hunt for a playoff spot.
Texas Longhorns in the CFP: Deserved or Overrated?
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This week, Texas was ranked at No. 3 in the CFP standings, sitting just ahead of Penn State, which was placed at No. 4. Both teams boast an 8-1 record, but the comparison between the two has sparked heated debates. Joel Hass, a Penn State insider, took to social media to point out what he perceives as a discrepancy: “Penn State has a better resume than Texas. Just saying.”
While Hass’s perspective may seem biased given his affiliation with Penn State, his argument raises valid points. Texas’ lone loss came at the han
ds of Georgia, a team that has underperformed this season. On the other hand, Penn State’s only loss was to Ohio State, which is currently ranked No. 2. The gap in competition faced by both teams might not justify the rankings they’ve received.
The Case for Penn State’s Stronger Resume
Penn State’s loss to Ohio State by just seven points is seen by many as a more respectable result than Texas’ blowout loss to Georgia. Ohio State is widely regarded as one of the top teams in the nation this season, while Georgia’s recent struggles have raised questions about the Bulldogs’ dominance. Despite their solid record, the Georgia team that Texas lost to is not the same powerhouse it was in previous seasons, which has left many questioning the validity of Texas’ No. 3 ranking.
Do Texas Longhorns Face Tough Enough Opponents?
A key point raised in the debate about Texas is the strength of their schedule. Critics argue that Texas has not faced the same level of competition as some of the other top-ranked teams. Media personality Colin Cowherd pointed this out in a recent podcast, calling Texas “overrated” and highlighting how the team’s losses are often downplayed. “Nobody’s talking about Texas. They got blown out, everybody sold their stock, and here’s little old Texas quietly with no pressure,” Cowherd remarked.
The Texas Longhorns’ close wins, including a narrow victory over Vanderbilt, have done little to dispel these concerns. While their defensive ranking (No. 1 in the nation) is impressive, some argue that the team’s opponents have not been challenging enough to warrant a top-three ranking.
Texas Longhorns Defense: A Strong Point Amid the Debate
One area where the Longhorns undeniably excel is in their defense. Currently ranked No. 1 in the nation for allowing just 241 yards per game, Texas’ defense has been one of the best in college football. This impressive defensive performance is a key factor in their success this season, and it’s important to consider when evaluating their overall potential.
However, the question remains: Should Texas be judged solely on their defensive prowess, or should their strength of schedule and overall performance be weighed more heavily in the rankings? It’s a debate that continues to stir up opinions among analysts, coaches, and fans alike.
What’s Next for Steve Sarkisian’s Texas Longhorns?
As the season progresses and more games are played, the Texas Longhorns will need to prove themselves worthy of their top rankings. Whether they can continue to perform at a high level against tougher opponents remains to be seen. With their defense playing at an elite level, there’s no doubt they have the potential to make a deep playoff run, but questions about their offensive consistency and overall schedule will likely remain focal points until the season comes to a close.
Penn State has a better resume than Texas. Just saying.
No. 3 Texas:
– 8-1
– Lost by 15 vs. No. 12 Georgia
– No ranked wins
– Strength of schedule: 56
– Strength of record: 10
No. 4 Penn State:
– 8-1
– Lost by 7 vs. No. 2 Ohio State
– No ranked wins
– SOS: 30
– SOR: 5
— Joel Haas (@Joel_Haas1) November 13, 2024
FAQ: Texas Longhorns in the 2024 College Football Playoff
Why is Texas ranked No. 3 in the CFP rankings?
Texas is ranked No. 3 due to their 8-1 record, impressive defense, and wins over ranked teams, although their loss to Georgia has raised some questions.
How does Texas compare to Penn State in the CFP rankings?
Penn State is ranked No. 4, and while they have the same record as Texas, they’ve played a tougher schedule and only lost to Ohio State, making their resume stronger in the eyes of some analysts.
Has Texas played tough enough opponents this season?
Critics argue that Texas’ opponents have not been as challenging as those faced by other top-ranked teams, leading to concerns about their legitimacy in the playoff race.
What makes Texas’ defense stand out this season?
Texas boasts the No. 1 defense in the nation, allowing only 241 yards per game, a key factor in their success this season.
What’s next for Texas in the College Football Playoff race?
Texas will need to continue performing at a high level, especially on offense, as they face tougher competition in the coming weeks.
