Texas secured a 27-17 victory over Texas A&M, a win that, while significant, may not be enough to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP). The Longhorns are hindered by previous losses to top teams, including No. 1 Ohio State, Florida, and Georgia, which diminish the impact of their key victories against the Aggies, No. 8 Oklahoma, and No. 14 Vanderbilt.
For Texas to have a shot at the playoff, an unprecedented series of events would need to unfold involving the numerous two-loss teams in contention, including No. 10 Alabama. Unfortunately for the Longhorns, their earlier defeat to Florida looms large over their playoff aspirations.
In contrast, Texas A&M, despite their loss, is hoping for a favorable outcome in the Iron Bowl where Auburn might defeat Alabama. Such an outcome could open a window for the Aggies to reclaim a top-four position if they can prepare a strong performance in their next game against No. 4 Georgia. While they now face the reality of entering the playoffs with potential lower seeding, they still have a safety net, having secured a playoff berth prior to Black Friday.
The fallout has been notable within the broader landscape of college football. Mississippi, with a decisive 38-19 victory over Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl, earned a playoff spot, and coach Lane Kiffin’s future with the program is under scrutiny as he considers offers from rival teams. Georgia’s solid win over Georgia Tech ensured its place in the SEC Championship, consolidating its position among the top teams in college football.
Among other notable performances, No. 14 Utah stayed in the running for the Big 12 Championship with a strong comeback win over Kansas, and Iowa achieved a commanding victory over Nebraska, reinforcing the disparity between the programs. Nebraska ended the season with a disappointing record, highlighting the challenges faced under head coach Matt Rhule.
Although Texas may be sidelined from the playoff picture, their victory over A&M signals potential growth for the program, while A&M still has opportunities for a successful postseason run. The competitive nature of college football continues to shine through as teams strive for glory in the final weeks of the season.