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Texas Shocks A&M, Demands Playoff Spot
30 Nov
Summary
- Texas upset No. 3 Texas A&M, 27-17, with Arch Manning leading the charge.
- A 155-yard performance by Quintrevion Wisner fueled the Longhorns' victory.
- ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum believes Texas deserves a playoff spot despite three losses.
Texas concluded its regular season with a dramatic 27-17 upset against the No. 3 Texas A&M Aggies. This pivotal win, driven by Arch Manning's impactful second-half performance and Quintrevion Wisner's 155 rushing yards, brings the Longhorns' record to 9-3. The victory has reignited discussions about their College Football Playoff prospects.
Analyst Paul Finebaum voiced strong support for Texas's playoff inclusion, citing their challenging strength of schedule. He argued that playing top-tier opponents like Ohio State, Florida, and Georgia, even resulting in losses, demonstrates the team's caliber more than avoiding difficult matchups would. Texas's resume includes wins over ranked opponents, further bolstering their argument.
However, the Longhorns' three losses, including a significant defeat to Florida and close calls against Kentucky and Mississippi State, present a counterargument. The College Football Playoff selection committee considers various factors, including head-to-head results and comparative outcomes, with metrics designed to reward strength of schedule. This complex evaluation leaves Texas's playoff path plausible but not guaranteed.
