The Texas Longhorns aren’t heading to the College Football Playoff (CFP) for a third straight year. They finished with a solid 9-3 record but landed at No. 13 in the final CFP rankings, missing out on an at-large bid.
Losses to top teams like No. 2 Ohio State and No. 3 Georgia were tough but maybe not shocking. What really stung was a 29-21 loss to Florida—a team that wrapped up the season at just 4-8.
That upset weighed heavily in the committee’s decision. Head coach Steve Sarkisian and the Texas athletic department did what they could to rally support, but it just wasn’t enough this time.
Instead, Texas is set to play Michigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on December 31. If you want a deeper dive into the rankings and the season, check out the full breakdown on KXAN’s website.
Texas Longhorns’ Season Overview
This season had its share of ups and downs for Texas. They posted a 9-3 record, but it didn’t quite get them over the CFP hump.
Two of those losses were to absolute powerhouses: Ohio State and Georgia. But that loss to Florida? That was the one that really hurt their playoff hopes.
Key Games and Turning Points
The Longhorns’ season had some big moments:
- Loss to Ohio State: A close game, but it slipped away at the end.
- Loss to Georgia: Another tough matchup against a top-ranked squad.
- Loss to Florida: This one was a shocker and really set them back.
They did snag some impressive wins along the way. Still, it just wasn’t enough to sway the committee.
CFP Selection Criteria and Texas’ Shortfall
The CFP selection committee looks at a few main things:
- Strength of Schedule: Who you played and how tough they were.
- Head-to-Head Results: How you did against other top teams.
- Overall Record: Wins and losses, plain and simple.
Texas had a challenging schedule and some good wins, sure. But that slip-up against Florida was a glaring mark on their résumé.
Not beating any of the elite teams on their schedule sealed their fate. The committee made their call, and Texas was left out.
Efforts to Influence the Committee
Coach Sarkisian and the Texas athletic department didn’t just sit back. They hit TV shows and social media, making their case to anyone who’d listen.
Despite all that noise, the committee didn’t budge.
Consolation Prize: The Cheez-It Citrus Bowl
Missing the CFP stings, no doubt. But Texas did get an invite to the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.
They’ll take on Michigan, who finished the season at No. 18 in the CFP rankings. The game kicks off December 31 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, at 2 p.m. CT.
Coach Sarkisian’s Perspective
Coach Sarkisian isn’t treating the Citrus Bowl like a throwaway. “This is an opportunity to play another game against a really good team, and we’re going to cherish it,” he said.
He added, “We’ll put our best foot forward and try to go win this game.” Can’t say he’s not fired up.
Broader Implications for College Football
Texas missing the CFP isn’t just about them—it says something about the shifting college football landscape. This year, a new rule guaranteed spots for the five highest-ranked conference champs.
That meant teams like Tulane and James Madison made the 12-team bracket, even though their rankings weren’t sky-high.
Impact on Other Teams
The new rules shook things up for plenty of programs:
- Tulane: Ended up No. 20 and snagged the No. 11 seed.
- James Madison: Finished at No. 24 and got the No. 12 seed.
- Notre Dame: Turned down all non-CFP bowl invites, so their season’s over.
- Iowa State and Kansas State: Both said no to bowl games after coaching changes, which led to Big 12 fines.
It’s a reminder: conference championships matter more than ever. The game is changing, whether we like it or not.
Looking Ahead
As Texas gears up for their Citrus Bowl matchup with Michigan, there’s probably a bit of “what if” lingering in Austin. But the focus now is on ending the year strong.
A win in the Citrus Bowl could give them a nice boost heading into next season. Maybe that’s the spark they need for another run.
Future Prospects
The Longhorns have a strong foundation. Their future looks promising, honestly.
With a talented roster and an experienced coaching staff, they’re set up to build on this season’s ups and downs. There’s a real sense they’ll aim for a return to the CFP next year—fans can feel it.
Lessons from this season, especially about consistency and steering clear of those unexpected losses, should stick with them. That kind of growth is going to matter if they’re serious about success.
If you’re curious for a deeper dive into the CFP rankings or want more details on the Texas Longhorns’ season, check out the full article on KXAN’s website.
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