Texas Longhorns Avoid Texas Tech Clash Amid Scheduling Controversy

The strong winds coming from Texas are not from tornadoes, although it is that season. Instead, it is the exchange between two college football coaches. Steve Sarkisian from the Texas Longhorns made remarks about Texas Tech’s schedule strength. Joey Maguire, the Red Raiders’ coach, responded by suggesting a willingness to play Texas, even offering to cancel a game with Abilene Christian. Yet, this clash remains purely hypothetical.

Scheduling such a game is unlikely. The Longhorns and Red Raiders wouldn’t cancel non-conference games to play each other. Conferences and the NCAA would not permit it. Furthermore, Texas has little to gain and much to lose by taking on Tech.

Challenges of the College Football Season

In current college football, teams often avoid tough non-conference games to improve their playoff chances. Why would the Longhorns opt for a more challenging path? Last season, Texas played at a high level, ending 9-3 and narrowly missing the playoffs. If they had faced a less challenging opponent than Ohio State in Week 1, they might have made the College Football Playoff.

This season, Texas faces Ohio State again. They also play UTSA and Texas State, both bowl-eligible teams last season. The schedule gets tougher in league play. Texas confronts Tennessee, LSU, and Texas A&M away from home. They also face Florida and Ole Miss at home, along with the annual game against Oklahoma.

Three of these teams were playoff contenders last season. LSU and Tennessee are expected to improve, and Florida remains formidable despite their record.

The Hypothetical Matchup

Including Texas Tech in the schedule would not enhance Texas’ playoff resume. A loss would be more damaging than a win helpful. Maguire’s bravado likely stems from knowing this game will not happen. Adding Texas would boost Tech’s strength of schedule, unlike Texas whose schedule already ranks high.

“The SEC often gets criticized for scheduling ‘weaker’ opponents, but Texas’ current lineup negates that notion,” observes a critic.

Such a scenario is improbable. Texas and Texas Tech can meet in the playoffs. Neither would risk an additional regular season defeat amid today’s college football landscape.

Austin Perry covers this narrative for OutKick.