Full Breakdown
Texas Longhorns' Playoff Hopes Hang by a Thread After Loss to Georgia
11/18/2025, 1:50:01 PM
Sarkisian Defends Team Amid Criticism of Underachievement
Following a disappointing 35-10 loss to the Georgia Bulldogs, Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian faced questions regarding whether his team had underachieved this season. With a current record of 7-3, Sarkisian strongly disagreed with the notion of underachievement, stating, “According to who?” He emphasized the challenges his team has faced, including injuries and a tough schedule, asserting that nearly half of their opponents were ranked in the top 10 when they played them. Sarkisian expressed pride in his team's resilience, despite the high expectations placed upon them at the start of the season.
The Path to the College Football Playoff
Despite the recent loss, Texas still has a chance to make the College Football Playoff (CFP) if they can secure victories against Arkansas and Texas A&M in their final games. A win against Texas A&M, currently ranked third in the CFP Poll, would mark Texas' third victory over a top-10 team this season, having previously defeated Oklahoma and Vanderbilt. However, analysts like Joel Klatt have raised doubts about Texas' playoff viability, arguing that a 9-3 record, especially after a blowout loss, may not be sufficient for CFP consideration. Klatt noted the similarity between Texas' current season and Alabama's last year, where Alabama also finished 9-3 but was left out of the playoffs.
Criticism and Speculation Surrounding Sarkisian's Future
In light of the team's struggles, ESPN analyst Desmond Howard suggested that Sarkisian could face a "mutual parting of ways" with Texas at the end of the season. This speculation prompted a swift response from Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte, who dismissed Howard's comments as surprising and unfounded. Sarkisian, in his defense, reiterated that the season is not over and that the team must focus on their upcoming games. He stated, “We’ve got a two-week season in front of us. We’ve got to go play.”
Controversial Officiating in the Loss to Georgia
The loss to Georgia was not only marked by Texas' inability to execute in the fourth quarter but also featured controversial officiating. Several missed calls and questionable penalties against Texas were highlighted, including a non-call for holding that could have impacted the game's momentum. Despite these officiating issues, players like defensive end Colin Simmons acknowledged that the team's failure to finish the game ultimately led to their defeat.
What's Next for Texas?
As Texas prepares for its next matchup against Arkansas, the team must navigate the pressure of maintaining its playoff hopes while addressing its recent performance issues. Sarkisian has labeled the upcoming game as "scary," given Arkansas' potential to surprise despite their struggles this season. The outcome of the remaining games will be crucial in determining not only Texas' postseason fate but also the future of Sarkisian as head coach.
