Texas Makes a Compelling Case: Why the Longhorns Deserve a College Football Playoff Berth
The debate is raging. Will the Texas Longhorns‘ challenging schedule – and a narrow escape against Texas A&M – hurt their College Football Playoff chances? head coach Steve Sarkisian is making a strong argument that it shouldn’t,and increasingly,the evidence supports his claim. This isn’t just about a team vying for a championship; its about the future of scheduling in college football and rewarding teams that embrace high-stakes competition.
The Argument for Rewarding Bold Scheduling
Sarkisian believes the CFP committee shouldn’t penalize Texas for willingly taking on a marquee matchup in Week 1 against Ohio State. It was a game college football fans wanted to see - a rematch of last year’s thrilling Cotton Bowl, pitting two top-ranked teams against each other. He fears that punishing Texas could discourage other programs from scheduling similarly enterprising non-conference games.
Senior safety Michael Taaffe echoed this sentiment. “I don’t think the committee should punish us for giving college football what they want to see,” he stated. The game, played in Columbus, Ohio, delivered on its promise, showcasing the intensity and excitement that defines the sport.
Navigating a Tough Path & Overcoming Adversity
The Longhorns’ season hasn’t been without its bumps. A road loss to Florida on October 4th looms large in the discussion. However, Sarkisian points to precedent. Last year, Notre Dame reached the CFP National Championship despite a regular season loss to Northern illinois.
This highlights a crucial point: a single loss doesn’t necessarily disqualify a team. The overall body of work, and the quality of competition faced, must be considered. Furthermore, the five teams ranked just outside the playoff picture (11-15) have a combined 4-8 record against ranked opponents, suggesting the Longhorns’ schedule has been demonstrably tougher.
Manning’s Growth & a game-Winning Performance
The Texas A&M game itself was a microcosm of the Longhorns’ season – and the growth of quarterback Arch Manning. The first half was a struggle, with Manning completing just 7 of 22 passes for 51 yards. But,like the team as a whole,he responded.
* Second-Half Surge: Manning rallied, finishing with 179 passing yards and 53 rushing yards.
* Game-Sealing Drive: He capped off the comeback with a crucial 35-yard touchdown run on third-and-3, securing the victory.
* Elite Competition: Facing an “NFL-level” blitz package from Texas A&M, manning expertly managed protections at the line of scrimmage.
Sarkisian praised Manning’s work ethic and readiness, emphasizing his growth throughout the season. This performance underscores Manning’s ability to elevate his game when it matters most.
Manning’s Direct Appeal to the committee
Arch Manning didn’t shy away from making a direct plea to the CFP committee. “We’re a good team, bro,” he confidently stated. “We’ve played a lot of good teams. We’re only getting better, and if you let us in, we can beat anyone.”
His conviction is unwavering. When asked about the possibility of being left out, Manning dismissed the thought. “I think we’re going to make the playoffs,” he said. “I don’t know why we wouldn’t.I’m not going to worry about that.”
Why Texas Deserves Consideration
The Longhorns have demonstrated resilience, faced a challenging schedule, and are peaking at the right time. Here’s a summary of why they deserve a playoff berth:
* Strength of Schedule: Texas proactively sought out tough competition, including a Week 1 showdown with Ohio State.
* Quality Wins: They’ve proven they can win against top opponents, including a hard-fought victory over texas A&M.
* Team Advancement: The team, and particularly Arch Manning, have shown significant growth throughout the season.
* Playoff-Caliber Performance: They possess the talent and determination to compete with – and beat – any team in the country.
Ultimately, the decision rests with the CFP committee. But,
