Steve Sarkisian Criticizes Rival’s Easier Path to College Football Playoff
At a recent Houston Touchdown Club event, Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian couldn’t resist taking a swipe at an in-state rival. He was talking about the College Football Playoff (CFP) selection committee and how they look at strength of schedule.
His comments have definitely gotten people talking. With Texas gearing up for a brutal season, the Longhorns’ jump to the SEC is looming large.
Sarkisian figures this new schedule will push his team in ways their state rivals just won’t experience. And honestly, he’s not shy about saying so.
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Sarkisian’s Bold Comments on Strength of Schedule
During his speech, Sarkisian pointed out the huge gap in schedule strength between Texas and another in-state team. He even joked that Texas’ backups could go undefeated against their rival’s slate.
He made this point while discussing how the CFP committee judges teams. Sarkisian was clear: if you want a playoff spot, you need to play a tough schedule. If you want the full context, check out the article here.
Texas’ Grueling Schedule
Upcoming Challenges
This season, Texas is staring down a brutal lineup. They’ll have to face:
- Ohio State
- LSU
- Tennessee
- Oklahoma
- Texas A&M
That’s a gauntlet of heavy hitters. It’s a far cry from the schedules of some other Texas schools.
Take Texas Tech, for example. Their Big 12 schedule features Arizona State, Arizona, and Houston—solid teams, but not quite on the same level.
ESPN’s SP+ Rankings
Backing up Sarkisian’s claims, ESPN’s Bill Connelly put Texas at the top for toughest schedule in college football, at least in his preseason SP+ rankings. That’s not exactly the kind of honor you celebrate, but it’s hard to argue with the numbers.
The Impact of Moving to the SEC
Financial Implications
Texas is leaving the Big 12 for the SEC in 2024, and it’s not just about football glory. There’s a lot of money at stake here.
Sarkisian mentioned that every SEC program is dropping at least $30 million to build their roster. That’s a staggering figure. The financial boost from joining the SEC should help Texas keep up with the arms race.
Competitive Edge
But the SEC isn’t exactly a cakewalk. The competition is relentless, and Texas will have to prove they belong.
Will this move help Texas rise to the top, or will it expose cracks that weren’t as obvious in the Big 12? That’s the million-dollar question.
Comparing In-State Rivals
Texas vs. Texas Tech
Stacking up Texas’ schedule next to Texas Tech’s, the difference is obvious. Texas faces a murderers’ row, while Tech has a much lighter load.
Tech’s big games—Arizona State, Arizona, Houston—just don’t carry the same weight as matchups with Ohio State or LSU. Not even close.
Implications for CFP Selection
This gap in schedule strength could really matter when the CFP committee sits down to pick teams. A team that survives a tough schedule might get the nod over a team with a similar record but easier path.
Sarkisian’s remarks really drive home how much the committee values a brutal schedule, maybe more than some fans realize.
Looking Ahead: Texas’ Road to the CFP
Key Games to Watch
There are a few games that could make or break Texas’ playoff hopes. Ohio State, LSU, and Oklahoma are the big ones.
These matchups aren’t just about wins—they’re a chance for Texas to make a statement. If they can pull off some upsets, the committee will have to take notice.
Potential Challenges
Of course, there’s a downside to playing such a tough schedule. Injuries, fatigue, and the mental grind could all take a toll.
The Longhorns will have to manage these hurdles if they want to stay in the CFP conversation. It’s a tall order, but hey, that’s what makes college football so unpredictable.
Conclusion
Steve Sarkisian’s comments have definitely stirred up the debate about strength of schedule and how it affects CFP selection. There’s a bit of extra tension now, isn’t there?
With Texas heading into a tough SEC season, the Longhorns have to show they can hang with the best. It’s not going to be easy, but maybe that’s the point.
Curious about what else Sarkisian had to say and what it might mean for Texas football? Take a look at the full article here.
