Can Texas Football contend for the College Football Playoff?

Can “Coach Sark” lead Texas Football to the College Football Playoff

This is a prove-it season for the Texas Longhorns. Everyone associated with the program has something to prove. There are no excuses for Texas football this fall. The roster is loaded and healthy and only has Oklahoma to deal with (on paper). Texas has the deepest, most talented roster in the Big 12 this side of the Red River, so it’s time to put up or shut up.

Texas football has been here before, however. The Longhorns have always had the right of first refusal in the state, even with the SEC barging their way in. However, the players never lived up to their potential, and the Longhorns would not live up to expectations.

That also includes Steve Sarkisian. Affectionately known as “Seven-win Sark,” Coach Sarkisian needs to prove he can build a winner as a head coach and not just as a coordinator.

There was a turning for the Longhorns in 2022, however. It might be cliche, but some wins did not necessarily show up on the scoreboard. Texas lost to Alabama in a heartbreaker but came out and thrashed UTSA the following week. They won an ugly game against Iowa State.

There were games where everyone in the stadium knew that Bijan Robinson was getting the ball, and the offensive line bullied opposing defenses.

Also, it stands to reason that at least two of those one-possession games break their way this year. Can the ‘Horns Hook ’em and make it to the CFP?