Texas’ Impact on CFP Committee: Awaiting Anxiously for their Decision

Texas Longhorns Big 12 College Football: Longhorns Romp 49-21 over Oklahoma State to Capture Championship
By Bryan Fischer, College Football Writer

In the world of college football, only three major programs have more wins than Texas. Football is more than just a game in Texas, and the state has a long history of cherishing it. However, despite its numerous wins, the trophy cabinet outside Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium hardly reflects the team’s success. There has been just one national title in the last fifty years and three Big 12 Championship Game trophies. Despite this, Texas has always considered itself the sport’s gold standard, both within the state and nationally.

To change its perception and on-field fortunes, the university took a rare step three years ago by replacing Tom Herman with Steve Sarkisian as head coach and refocusing its attention on prioritizing winning. In addition, Texas engineered a stunning departure to the SEC and reoriented its recruiting, name/image/likeness, and facilities. This was all in an effort to ensure that the slogan “Texas is back” was no longer just a punchline.

The Longhorns’ 49-21 victory over No. 18 Oklahoma State at AT&T Stadium to capture the Big 12 Championship felt like a cathartic relief. Head coach Steve Sarkisian emphasized that they played their best football in the past two weeks and felt very comfortable that they could play against anybody in the country.

However, despite this success, the question remains: Will Texas receive a College Football Playoff spot? The team did everything in its power to achieve this, including impressive victories in non-conference games. Yet, they now face the position of possibly being on the outside looking in come Selection Sunday.

While this situation highlights the flaw in the system, Texas has given the committee something to consider. The Longhorns have also put their future conference in an awkward position. It’s within the realm of possibilities that the SEC, where “it just means more,” might not factor in at all when it comes to deciding the final four.

The most ironic twist is that if Texas finds itself on the outside looking in, it is largely due to the decisions they made off the field. Nevertheless, the Longhorns head into the next phase with the uncertainty of whether their result was meaningful or hollow.

Bryan Fischer is a college football writer for FOX Sports, covering college athletics for nearly two decades. You can follow him on Twitter at @BryanDFischer.

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