Texas Makes Late Push — College Football Playoff Resume Heats Up After SEC Showdown
Rivalry Win Puts Texas Back on the CFP Radar
The Longhorns delivered a statement win Friday night, defeating No. 3 Texas A&M 27–17 and spoiling the Aggies’ undefeated season. WJXT+2The Washington Post+2
With the victory, Texas denied A&M a spot in the upcoming SEC Championship Game — a loss that not only cost the Aggies a shot at a conference crown but also reshaped the playoff landscape. KSAT+2The ATX Aggregator+2
The Case for Texas — Why Their Resume Looks Strong
- High-profile wins & tough schedule: Texas has now beaten three Top-10 teams this season (including A&M), showing they can hang with the elite. Yahoo Sports+2Forbes+2
- SEC adversity considered a strength: Head coach Steve Sarkisian argues that playing in the competitive Southeastern Conference should count more than padded records — a point that challenges the notion of penalizing difficult schedules. Yahoo Sports+1
- Resilience under pressure: The Longhorns overcame a shaky start to the season and showed growth when it mattered most. Many view this comeback as a mark of a “playoff-caliber” team. Forbes+1
But the Doubts Remain — Will 9-3 Be Enough?
Despite the strong finish, several factors complicate Texas’s case:
- A 9–3 record still leaves them behind many two-loss or undefeated teams vying for the 12-team playoff. The Washington Post+2Forbes+2
- Some losses — especially one to a non-power conference opponent — may weigh heavily when the committee evaluates overall résumé and consistency. KSAT+2Forbes+2
- The expanded format means more teams get a shot — but also pushes competition for at-large spots to a higher level than ever before.
What’s Next — What to Watch Before Selection Day
- The outcome of conference championship games will shuffle the projected field significantly; other contenders could further block or solidify Texas’s path.
- How the selection committee weighs “strength of schedule + quality wins vs. overall record and consistency” will matter — and coach Sarkisian’s post-game pitch could influence that debate. Yahoo Sports+2Facebook+2
- Comparisons with other at-large hopefuls — especially non-SEC teams with cleaner losses — will likely determine who gets the final CFP berths.
