What's Happening?
The Texas Longhorns, despite a victory over Texas A&M, find themselves ranked at No. 13 in the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings. Head coach Steve Sarkisian has been advocating for the Longhorns to be included in the top 12, which would secure them a spot in the playoffs. However, Texas A&M's head coach, Mike Elko, has dismissed the Longhorns' playoff case, emphasizing the challenges faced by SEC teams. Elko's comments come as the Aggies are positioned at No. 7 in the CFP rankings, making their playoff spot almost certain. The final rankings will be determined after the SEC Championship game, which could potentially alter the standings and impact the Longhorns' chances.
Why It's Important?
The exclusion of the Texas Longhorns from the top 12 in the CFP rankings
highlights the competitive nature of college football and the significant influence of conference strength on playoff selections. The SEC's dominance in the rankings underscores the challenges faced by teams from other conferences, like the Big 12, to secure playoff spots. This situation affects not only the teams and their fan bases but also has broader implications for college football's financial and media landscapes, as playoff appearances can significantly boost a program's visibility and revenue.
What's Next?
The Longhorns' fate in the CFP rankings will be decided after the upcoming SEC Championship game. Depending on the outcome, there could be shifts in the rankings that might favor Texas. Meanwhile, Texas A&M will focus on preparing for their playoff appearance, while the Longhorns await the final decision, which could see them playing in a major bowl game if they miss the playoffs.
