College Football Playoff Picture Redefined as Texas Upsets Texas A&M

The Texas Longhorns delivered a seismic upset against the No. 3 Texas A&M Aggies on Black Friday. The final score was 27-17 in front of a raucous home crowd in Austin. This victory throws the College Football Playoff selection process into a state of intense debate.

Texas A&M entered the game undefeated and was considered a lock for the playoff bracket. Their loss now highlights a new priority for the selection committee this season. According to Sports Illustrated, avoiding bad losses now matters more than securing big wins.

A New Selection Committee Philosophy Emerges

The College Football Playoff selection committee has shown a clear pattern through three weeks of rankings. It has consistently punished teams for unexpected losses. It has not rewarded teams for significant victories to the same degree.

This new philosophy creates a major conundrum for several teams. Miami and Notre Dame are now at the center of this debate. Oregon and Texas Tech are now positioned for the most favorable paths to the semifinals with just one loss each.

Texas Makes Its Case for Playoff Inclusion

Despite three losses, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian made a passionate argument for his team’s inclusion. He pointed to the team’s unparalleled resume of top-tier victories. “We’re the first team since the 2019 national champion LSU team to beat three top 10–ranked teams in the same season,” Sarkisian stated.

He also defended the team’s tough schedule, including a close road loss to top-ranked Ohio State. Sarkisian argued that teams should not be punished for scheduling challenging non-conference games. He firmly believes his squad is a playoff-worthy team that deserves a chance to compete for a national championship.

The Longhorns have proven they can compete with the nation’s best, but the committee’s new emphasis on a clean record may ultimately seal their fate.

Dropping this nugget your way

How many top-10 teams did Texas beat this season?

Texas defeated three teams that were ranked in the top 10 at the time of their games. This includes victories over Oklahoma, Vanderbilt, and Texas A&M, giving them the most such wins of any contender.

What was Texas’s final regular season record?

The Longhorns finished the regular season with a 9-3 record. Their losses came against Ohio State, Florida, and Georgia.

Who is the Texas quarterback?

Arch Manning led the offense in the victory over Texas A&M. He threw for 179 yards and sealed the game with a 35-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

What does this loss mean for Texas A&M’s playoff hopes?

The loss severely damages Texas A&M’s playoff standing. They entered the game as a lock but now face potential exclusion from the 12-team field after their first defeat.

Why is the committee’s approach different this year?

The selection committee has placed a heavier emphasis on avoiding bad losses. This marks a shift from previous years where quality wins were often the primary factor for ranking teams.