The College Football Playoff selection committee has ranked Texas at No. 3 following Week 12’s games, but the decision has sparked debate among analysts and fans alike. While the Longhorns have shown flashes of brilliance this season, questions linger about the legitimacy of their high ranking.
Criticism of Texas’ Ranking
ESPN’s Greg McElroy has been vocal about his concerns regarding Texas’ position in the rankings. He argues that the Longhorns’ resume does not justify their lofty standing, especially considering they have yet to secure a victory over any currently ranked team. Additionally, their home loss to No. 10 Georgia raises further doubts about their ranking.
“I think Texas is in a position right now where they’re No. 3 in the country, according to the College Football Playoff committee, but if you really look at their resume, they haven’t really earned that spot that’s almost exclusively on the eye test,” McElroy stated. He emphasized that if Texas were to win against Kentucky this week but then lose to [Texas] A&M next week, their best win could end up being against a 6-6 Vanderbilt team.
Offensive Performance: A Mixed Bag
Texas has had a rollercoaster season, with their performance fluctuating dramatically from week to week. For instance, in their recent game against the five-loss Arkansas Razorbacks, the Longhorns managed to score just 20 points. Quarterback Quinn Ewers threw for two touchdowns, and the team rushed for 139 yards, but the overall offensive output left much to be desired.
In stark contrast, the week prior showcased the explosive potential of the Longhorns. They dominated Florida with a resounding 49-17 victory, where Ewers threw for five touchdowns and accumulated 333 yards. Texas amassed a staggering 562 yards of total offense against a short-handed Gators team, raising the question: why can’t they replicate that performance consistently?
Questions About Offensive Strategy
McElroy posed a compelling question: “Why don’t I get that version of Texas on offense every week?” He pointed out that the team possesses a veteran offensive line and a talented group of wide receivers. With a tight end who poses matchup problems and a run game that can quickly become complex, the potential is there. So why the inconsistency?
“Why is it that we’re playing sideline to sideline so much? Why don’t we take the top off the defense? Why don’t we throw it downfield?” McElroy continued. He criticized the current strategy of short, high-percentage passes, which, while effective, can be perceived as boring. “We’re gonna play analytics. You got four downs to get it in plus territory. Like, to me, that’s great. It works, it wins, but it’s boring.”
Upcoming Matchup: A Chance for Redemption
Looking ahead, Texas faces a Kentucky team that recently secured its first victory since September against an FCS opponent. This matchup presents a critical opportunity for the Longhorns to showcase their offensive prowess before the season finale against Texas A&M.
However, Kentucky’s defense is no pushover. They have managed to hold opponents to under 20 points in six games this season, including a narrow 13-12 loss to Georgia earlier in the year. This raises the stakes for Texas, as they will need to elevate their game to overcome a formidable defense.
Kickoff Details
The highly anticipated clash between the Longhorns and Wildcats is set for 3:30 p.m. ET, and fans can catch the action live on ABC. Will Texas rise to the occasion and prove their worth in the rankings, or will they falter against a determined Kentucky squad? The outcome could significantly impact their playoff aspirations.
As the season winds down, every game becomes crucial. Texas has the talent and potential to make a deep playoff run, but they must find consistency and execution on the field. The upcoming game against Kentucky will not only test their mettle but also provide a clearer picture of where they truly stand in the college football landscape.
