Longhorns Make Playoff Push After Upset Win Over Aggies
Table of Contents
- 1. Longhorns Make Playoff Push After Upset Win Over Aggies
- 2. How crucial is Quinn ewers’ health and decision-making to Texas’s playoff aspirations?
- 3. Is Texas Ready to Join the College Football playoff?
- 4. The Longhorns’ 2025 Season: A Playoff Contender?
- 5. Offensive firepower: Quinn Ewers and beyond
- 6. defensive Prowess: A Key to Championship Contention
- 7. The SEC Gauntlet: A Brutal Path to the Playoff
- 8. Special Teams: The Often-Overlooked Factor
- 9. Recruiting and Player Development: building for Sustained Success
AUSTIN,TX – December 2,2025 – The Texas Longhorns are making a compelling case for inclusion in the 12-team College Football Playoff despite a 9-3 regular season record. A resounding 27-17 victory over previously undefeated and No. 3 ranked Texas A&M has thrust the Longhorns into the national conversation.
The win capped off a challenging season for Texas, marked by both impressive victories and tough losses. However, Head Coach Steve Sarkisian believes his team deserves consideration, particularly given their willingness to schedule challenging non-conference opponents like Ohio State.
“We’ve got a really good football team,” Sarkisian stated after the game. “It would be a disservice to our sport if this teamS not a playoff team when we went and scheduled that non-conference game [Ohio State]. Because if we’re a 10-2 team,that’s not a question.”
The Longhorns’ resume boasts three wins against teams ranked in the top ten of the AP poll. Crucially, they secured double-digit victories against both of their biggest rivals – Texas A&M and Vanderbilt – both of whom are widely expected to make the playoff field.
READ MORE: Longhorns dominate in 2nd half to upset Aggies, 27-17
The College Football Playoff committee will announce its final selections on Sunday, leaving Longhorn fans anxiously awaiting their fate. Texas’s strong finish and quality wins have undoubtedly positioned them as a serious contender for a playoff berth.
How crucial is Quinn ewers’ health and decision-making to Texas’s playoff aspirations?
Is Texas Ready to Join the College Football playoff?
The Longhorns’ 2025 Season: A Playoff Contender?
The question on every Texas Longhorns fan’s mind as we head into December 2025: are they finally ready to consistently compete for, and win, a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP)? After years of rebuilding and navigating the complexities of conference realignment – the move to the SEC being paramount – the pieces appear to be falling into place. This article dives deep into the factors determining Texas’s playoff readiness, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, schedule, and the evolving landscape of college football.We’ll cover everything from quarterback play to defensive consistency,and how the SEC gauntlet impacts their chances.
Offensive firepower: Quinn Ewers and beyond
A notable portion of Texas’s playoff hopes rests on the shoulders of quarterback Quinn Ewers. His development and consistency are crucial.
* Ewers’ Performance: A healthy and decisive Ewers is a game-changer. His ability to extend plays, make accurate throws under pressure, and limit turnovers will be key. Stats from the 2024 season (assuming continued improvement) will be heavily scrutinized.
* Running Game Depth: The emergence of a reliable secondary running back to complement CJ Baxter is vital. A strong running attack alleviates pressure on Ewers and controls the clock.
* Wide Receiver corps: Texas boasts a talented group of wide receivers. Maximizing their potential through creative playcalling and consistent targets is essential. Look for continued growth from Adonai Mitchell and Xavier Worthy (if he returns).
* Offensive Line Stability: Protecting Ewers and creating running lanes requires a cohesive and experienced offensive line. Addressing any weaknesses in the line during the offseason is a top priority.
defensive Prowess: A Key to Championship Contention
While the offence grabs headlines, a stout defense is often the hallmark of playoff teams. Texas’s defense has shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency is the missing ingredient.
* Pass Rush Effectiveness: Generating consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks is paramount. Improving the pass rush without relying solely on blitzes is crucial.
* Secondary Coverage: Tight coverage and limiting explosive plays through the air are essential. The secondary needs to be able to handle the elite receivers they’ll face in the SEC.
* Run Stopping Ability: The SEC is known for its powerful running games. Texas must be able to consistently stop the run to control the line of scrimmage.
* defensive Coordinator Strategy: The defensive scheme needs to be adaptable and effective against a variety of offensive styles.
The SEC Gauntlet: A Brutal Path to the Playoff
The move to the SEC presents both opportunities and challenges for Texas. The conference is arguably the moast competitive in college football, meaning every game is a battle.
* Tough Schedule: Texas’s 2025 schedule will be filled with challenging opponents, including potential matchups against Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. Navigating this schedule with minimal losses is critical.
* Conference Championship Implications: Winning the SEC Championship is almost a guaranteed ticket to the CFP. Texas needs to be in contention for the title down the stretch.
* Rivalry Games: The annual rivalry game against Oklahoma will take on even greater significance in the SEC. Winning this game boosts morale and improves playoff chances.
* Road Game Challenges: Winning on the road in the SEC is notoriously difficult. texas needs to be prepared for hostile environments and tough competition.
Special Teams: The Often-Overlooked Factor
Don’t underestimate the impact of special teams. A reliable kicker, punter, and return game can swing momentum and win close games.
* Kicking Consistency: A dependable kicker is crucial for converting field goals and extra points.
* Punting Excellence: A strong punter can pin opponents deep in their own territory, giving the defense an advantage.
* Return Game Threat: A dangerous returner can create scoring opportunities and change the complexion of a game.
* coverage units: Solid special teams coverage prevents opponents from gaining significant yardage on kick and punt returns.
Recruiting and Player Development: building for Sustained Success
Long-term playoff contention requires consistent recruiting and player development. Texas has made strides in both areas under Coach Sarkisian.
* Top-tier Recruiting Classes: Attracting and signing elite recruits is essential for replenishing the roster and improving overall talent.
* Development of Underclassmen: Maximizing the potential of current players through effective coaching and training is crucial.
* Transfer Portal Strategy: Utilizing the transfer portal to address specific needs and add experienced players can provide an immediate boost.
* Strength and Conditioning Program: A robust strength and conditioning program is vital for developing physically imposing and durable