The age-old question of “Do they deserve it?” is complicated for the Longhorns. Steve Sarkisian and Co. have had quite the season. Eight massive wins this year, and the team has been averaging at least 35+ points in every single game. But here is the thing: With the CFP rankings out, there have been a lot of questions regarding Steve Sarkisian and Co. and their claim to fame. The Longhorns are standing in the 3rd spot on the, but why? Keep in mind, these are the same guys who almost lost to an unranked team (Vandy) a few days back. So now we have Nick Saban and Pat McAfee wondering the same thing.

Back on ESPN College GameDay, Saban pointed out, “Texas, who seems on paper as one of the best teams, has only played 1 top team and got beat.” This is the thing. Texas has not even touched that turf against a team who are on the same level as them. And when they finally did, it was a massive 30-15 loss. “If Texas loses to Arkansas or Texas A&M at the end of the season, they have no big wins really, other than a big loss to Georgia…….. I’m thanking god I’m not on the playoff committee,” Pat McAfee points out. The entire Longhorns vs Dawgs game is the perfect showcase of what Texas is actually capable of. Their entire defense was a disaster and allowed the Dawgs to reach rushing yards of 108 while the Texan offense barely managed to crack past 29.

Steve Sarkisian’s loved QB Quinn Ewers was so bad that he was replaced, and Arch Manning had to be put on that turf to save the day. And remember, all of this happened against Georgia, which is doing much worse in terms of offense and defense. QB Carson Beck threw 3 interceptions during that game.

This was the same guy who was averaging at least 300+ yards against every other team and would become the biggest threat Ewers has faced all season. What is wild is the fact that this ain’t even the first time Texas was dragged through the mud. An interesting revelation came from Warde Manuel, Athletic Director of Michigan University.

When a question was put up asking if Texas advanced on the lists because of the Dawgs and Hurricanes losses, Manuel revealed, “Obviously, yes, both Georgia and Miami lost ahead of them.” Whether the committee has Longhorns fans or the loss Georgia had to Ole Miss and the Hurricanes had to Georgia Tech, it did manage to change Texas’ playoff fate. However, as Sarkisian and his boys take the field against Arkansas, can this game end up being an upset for the Longhorns?

Texas vs Arkansas

The Hogs know how to move. See, while you can say that Arkansas ain’t even a tough opponent as they only have managed to reach a 5-4 run, you still have to keep in mind that their offense can make some solid surprise plays. Right now, the Hogs are standing in the 5th spot at the national level in terms of offense growth and power.

All of this is because of their 2-way QB Taylen Green. This dude is standing tall in the 3rd spot in terms of rushing touchdowns and plays in the entire SEC. If these don’t sell you, then the fact that the Razorbacks have a history of successfully landing 83% of red zone plays and converting it to touchdowns, should.

While we have seen the Longhorns handle much tougher offensive opponents, can their defense still hold up? Keep in mind they allowed 17 points to a struggling Gators who were reliant on their 3rd Walk-In QB. If the Horns lose this one by some miracle, then it is for sure that their playoff rankings will tank (unless there is truly some bias involved).