As America gears up for Black Friday, college football fans are already buzzing over the potential impact of the upcoming rivalry matchup between Texas and Texas A&M. The CBS Sports Power Rankings have suggested that Texas, currently holding an 8-3 record, could secure a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP) if they manage to defeat their unbeaten rival Texas A&M, which stands at 11-0, in their matchup this week in Austin.
Texas’s case for the playoff is bolstered by their impressive résumé. The Longhorns have notable overtime victories against Kentucky and Mississippi State and have triumphed over top-10 opponents like Oklahoma and Vanderbilt. Moreover, a narrow loss to the No. 1 ranked Ohio State adds further weight to their bid for playoff selection.
Recent losses by Georgia Tech and USC have opened up clearer pathways for the Longhorns. Should Miami stumble against Pitt, the Longhorns’ chances could significantly improve. A Vanderbilt victory over Tennessee would also provide a beneficial boost to Texas’s playoff hopes.
However, it is important to remember that these power rankings do not equate to the official College Football Playoff rankings, and the decisions made by the selection committee remain largely unpredictable. Each team under consideration has its strengths and weaknesses, contributing to the intrigue of the selection process.
As rivalry week approaches, there’s an electrifying sense of anticipation, though it brings with it a bittersweet note as the college football season draws closer to its climax. Fans can look forward to a month filled with thrilling championship games, the excitement of playoffs, and a variety of bowl matchups, all while the coaching carousel spins into action.
The CBS Sports Power Rankings express their gratitude for another exciting week of college football as fans prepare for a weekend filled with intense rivalry games and high stakes.