As the 2024 College Football Playoff (CFP) picture begins to take shape, one team that’s been generating significant buzz — and frustration — is the Texas Longhorns. Despite a strong season under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns are finding themselves in a precarious position when it comes to earning a spot in the final four teams. Fans and analysts alike are predicting that Texas could be “robbed” by the CFP selection committee, and the reasons behind this potential snub are causing concern in Austin.
### The Case for Texas
Let’s be clear: the Texas Longhorns have done everything in their power to make a compelling case for a College Football Playoff berth. With a high-powered offense led by quarterback Quinn Ewers and a defense that has been solid throughout the season, the Longhorns have demonstrated they can hang with the best teams in the country.
Texas’ only loss this season came at the hands of a top-tier team, and their resume is dotted with signature wins, including victories over ranked opponents like Kansas State and Oklahoma. The Longhorns have also been a force in the Big 12, and a potential conference championship would bolster their resume even further. Despite all of this, however, some believe they could still miss out on a playoff spot.
### Why Texas Might Get “Robbed”
The College Football Playoff selection committee has a long track record of making controversial decisions, and many fear that the Longhorns may fall victim to one of those decisions. Here are a few key factors contributing to the prediction that Texas could be left out of the playoff:
1. **The Strength of the Big 12 and Their Loss to Oklahoma**
While Texas has looked impressive, they have one glaring blemish: their loss to Oklahoma. While Oklahoma is a formidable team, the loss could weigh heavily in the committee’s decision, especially if it’s a loss in a non-conference game or if other teams with one loss have better overall resumes. A second-place finish in the Big 12 could also make it more difficult for Texas to earn an automatic playoff spot, even if they win out.
Some critics argue that while the Longhorns have a good record, the overall strength of the Big 12 this season might not be enough to give them the same weight as teams from the SEC or Big Ten. As a result, their one-loss record, while solid, might not be enough to get them into the playoff — especially if other teams with more compelling resumes rise above them.
2. **The Playoff Race Is Crowded**
The competition for a spot in the 2024 College Football Playoff is fierce. Teams like Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, Florida State, and even Oregon have impressive records and strong resumes. If any of these teams wins their respective conferences, it could bump Texas out of contention for a spot, especially if they finish second in a Big 12 that doesn’t carry the same national prestige as the SEC or Big Ten.
The situation gets even more complicated when you factor in potential chaos at the top. If, for example, Michigan or Ohio State were to fall in the Big Ten Championship, but their one-loss records are still stronger than Texas’, the selection committee may favor them over the Longhorns. In a crowded playoff field, Texas might find itself on the outside looking in, despite an impressive season.
3. **The Selection Committee’s Bias Toward Power Conferences**
The CFP selection committee has historically leaned toward teams from the SEC, Big Ten, and other power conferences. While the Big 12 has been a strong conference in recent years, there’s still a perception that it doesn’t quite carry the same weight as its counterparts. If Texas is battling for a spot with a team like Alabama or an undefeated Big Ten champion, it’s possible the committee might favor the team from the SEC or Big Ten due to conference prestige and strength of schedule.
Furthermore, if a team from one of these power conferences wins its conference championship, they may automatically get a higher seed — even if Texas has a better record or fewer losses. The selection committee’s tendency to prioritize conference championships could end up being a major obstacle for the Longhorns.
4. **The “Eye Test” Factor**
While the College Football Playoff rankings aren’t based solely on “eye test” metrics, there’s no denying that the selection committee takes into account the way a team performs on the field. If Texas has any slip-ups in the final weeks of the season or if they win games in less-than-dominant fashion, the committee could overlook them in favor of teams that have had more convincing performances, even if those teams have similar records.
For example, if Texas were to face a close loss in a championship game or struggle in one of their remaining regular-season games, it could hurt their overall perception in the eyes of the committee. On the other hand, teams that have looked sharp and dominant all season could get the benefit of the doubt, even with comparable records.
### What It Means for Texas Fans
If the Longhorns do get snubbed by the College Football Playoff selection committee, it will be a bitter pill to swallow for Texas fans who have endured years of disappointment and inconsistency. After a solid season, many fans feel their team has earned the right to compete for a national title. A potential exclusion would be a tough blow to a program that is trying to reassert itself as one of the elite teams in college football.
It would also fuel the argument that the CFP selection process is flawed, as many believe that Texas’ resume is worthy of a playoff spot. If the Longhorns are left out in favor of a team from another conference or a team with a less impressive record, it could lead to calls for reform in the way teams are selected for the playoff, especially given the strength of Texas’ overall performance this season.
### Conclusion
As the race for a spot in the 2024 College Football Playoff intensifies, the Texas Longhorns find themselves in a precarious position. Despite a strong season, their one loss to Oklahoma, the competitive nature of the field, and the committee’s tendencies toward power conferences could result in Texas being left out of the playoff conversation.
With the CFP selection committee’s reputation for making controversial decisions, the Longhorns may feel like they’ve been “robbed” of an opportunity to compete for a national championship — even if their resume is worthy of a spot in the final four.
For now, Texas will need to continue proving themselves on the field and hope the committee takes notice. If they get snubbed, however, it will only add fuel to the fire of fans who believe the selection process needs a major overhaul. Until the final rankings are revealed, the Longhorns’ fate remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: they’re not going down without a fight.