Paul Finebaum is staying optimistic about the Texas Longhorns when it comes to the College Football Playoff. But even he admits Steve Sarkisian's team is clinging to the slimmest of chances.
While on the latest Matt Barrie Show after Texas’ 35-10 loss to Georgia, the longtime ESPN analyst said the defeat dealt a blow to the Longhorns’ postseason aspirations. Texas fell to 7-3 with the loss, and by far its most damaging of them all.
“I think Texas has got a long shot now,” Finebaum said. “Even beating A&M, that loss to Georgia is going to haunt them like the Oklahoma loss did to Alabama a year ago, because it was so late and so bad.”
Finebaum’s path for Texas begins with upsetting No. 3 Texas A&M in the regular-season finale. Which could happen if the Horns somehow face the same Aggies team who was held to three points in the first half of Saturday’s game vs. South Carolina.
The Longhorns will play at home, and the environment alone presents a challenge. But Finebaum noted that even if Texas beats the Aggies, the magnitude of Saturday’s loss will be difficult for the selection committee to overlook. Not to mention, this was a team who got handled by Florida before firing Billy Napier.
The Longhorns were held to just 23 rushing yards against Georgia, forcing Arch Manning into a one-dimensional attack that couldn’t keep pace. Texas’ other loss to No. 1 Ohio State was a one-score game, making the Georgia rout stand out even more.
With Texas A&M, Georgia, Alabama and Ole Miss all positioned for CFP spots, Finebaum said any fifth SEC contender would need significant help.
At the moment, he believes two-loss teams such as Oklahoma or Vanderbilt have cleaner paths than Texas. Also, head-to-head results will be paramount in the debate of a fifth SEC team in the round of 12.
Finebaum stopped short of declaring Texas finished. However, the Longhorns’ hopes are exactly what they are as “a long shot.”
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