Longhorns Miss Playoff Berth; Aggies, Red Raiders Carry Texas Forward

The most anticipated Texas football squad will not compete for the national championship.  

The Texas Longhorns, ranked No. 1 with a Heisman candidate at quarterback, missed the playoffs after early defeats and a November blowout.  Texas A&M and Texas Tech will represent the state in the playoffs. Texas will play Michigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in Orlando on Dec. 31, a far cry from preseason expectations centered on quarterback Arch Manning and an experienced roster.  

The Longhorns dropped from first to unranked in the first month after losing to Ohio State and Florida. Steve Sarkisian said the squad “did not meet the standard we set,” but late-season wins over Oklahoma and Texas A&M showed development.

Texas A&M, expected to finish ninth in the SEC, will face Miami on Dec. 20 in a first-round playoff game.  Despite only one win over a ranked opponent, the Aggies' early triumph over Notre Dame propelled them nationally.

The Oregon-James Madison winner will face the Red Raiders on New Year's Day.  Tech's roster revamp caught national attention after rumors that the institution spent substantially on player acquisition. Dallas fans—many of whom follow Texas and Oklahoma football—are surprised by the postseason.

Texas, a national title contender, faltered in important times.  Nationally neglected A&M and Tech soared at the perfect time. The Longhorns want a great bowl finish, but College Station and Lubbock are the state's championship hopes.  Both playoff games affect league status and Texas recruiting.