Should a 9-3 Team with Three Road Losses Deserve a Spot in the College Football Playoff? The Texas Longhorns’ Case Ignites Fiery Debate
The college football world is ablaze with controversy after No. 16 Texas Longhorns’ stunning victory over No. 3 Texas A&M in the Lone Star Showdown. But here’s where it gets controversial: does this win—their third over a top 10 team this season—justify a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP) for a team with three losses? The answer, as always, depends on who you ask.
The Case for Texas:
Texas fans and supporters argue that the Longhorns’ resume is nothing short of impressive. With wins over No. 3 Texas A&M, No. 8 Oklahoma, and No. 14 Vanderbilt, they’ve proven they can compete with—and beat—elite teams. Even their losses came against powerhouse programs: No. 1 Ohio State, No. 4 Georgia, and a struggling Florida team that, despite its 3-8 record, still posed a challenge on the road. Head Coach Steve Sarkisian passionately declared in his postgame interview with ABC, ‘It would be a disservice to our sport if this team is not a playoff team.’ And he’s not alone. Many believe Texas’ strength of schedule and quality wins outweigh their losses, making them a deserving contender.
The Case Against Texas:
Critics, however, are quick to point out the Longhorns’ inconsistencies. A loss to a 3-8 Florida team—who has since fired their head coach—raises serious questions about Texas’ ability to show up when it matters most. ‘The regular season has to matter,’ one fan tweeted, ‘and Texas should’ve shown up on October 4th if they wanted to make the CFP.’ Others argue that while Texas has impressive wins, their three losses—all on the road—are a red flag. ‘Being great at home isn’t grounds for making the playoff with 3 losses,’ another critic noted.
And This is the Part Most People Miss...
The debate isn’t just about Texas’ record—it’s about the broader implications for the CFP selection process. Some argue that the committee should prioritize strength of schedule and quality wins over a team’s loss column. ‘Texas A&M is excellent proof of why the playoff committee has to evolve,’ one analyst tweeted, highlighting the Aggies’ undefeated record but weaker schedule compared to teams like Ohio State and Georgia. Others counter that allowing a 9-3 team into the CFP could set a dangerous precedent, potentially leading conferences like the B1G, ACC, and Big 12 to secede from the system altogether.
The Million-Dollar Question:
Does Texas deserve a spot in the CFP? Or should their losses disqualify them? It’s a question that divides fans, analysts, and even coaches. As we await Saturday’s results, one thing is clear: the Longhorns’ fate hangs in the balance, and the debate is far from over.
What do you think? Should Texas get a shot at the CFP, or do their losses make them undeserving? Let us know in the comments—this is one discussion you won’t want to miss!
