Let’s be real, this is the best The University of Texas has looked since the days of having Colt McCoy. That dates back to the 2008-2009 season when ultimately they fell to Alabama in the BCS National Championship. 

Since last summer, it seemed like fans were waiting for UT to take the field and to dominate their competition as Sam Ehlinger was quoted saying “we’re back” after last seasons big win over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl.  

Now before you say “well didn’t they lose to Louisiana State University just 2 weeks ago?” Yes they did, but there’s still hope and UT can make some big moves the rest of this season.

Now let’s take a look at the first few games this season. Junior Quarterback Sam Ehligner is putting up record setting numbers and looks more and more like a Heisman candidate each game. So far he has thrown for 956 yards and has rushed for more than 100 yards through 3 games. Surprisingly Senior receiver Devin Duvernay is leading the way in receptions over Colin Johnson with 269 reception yards.

So far UT’s biggest game of the year took place on the night of September 7th when they took on the LSU Tigers. This game went back and forth for 4 straight quarters, but ultimately LSU did take the win 45-38.

This was a devastating loss that could’ve put UT in the top 6 if they would’ve won. Now UT fans should be giving props because the was an evolved LSU team that transformed their offense into the traditional spread under new Offensive coordinators Joe Brady and Steven Ensminger.

Now let’s take a look into how UT is still able to make the College Football Playoffs despite losing to LSU.

After the loss to LSU and wins over Louisiana Tech and Rice currently Texas sits at #12 in the AP top 25 and is the highest ranked 1-loss team. Currently it looks impossible, but 5 teams ahead of them reside in a stacked SEC conference where they will take each other out. We can also look forward to The Red River Rivalry against 5th ranked Oklahoma and a win over them could pull them back into the mix.

However, the problem still is that UT can’t afford another loss, as a team with 2 losses has never made it into the playoffs. 

One reason UT still has a shot is because Ehlinger will show that he’s a big time player that can make some big time plays since he will be a big factor whether or not UT can make the playoffs. He was able to show that he was a big time player against the best secondary in the country. 

Now let’s talk about the defensive. They’re a stout group led by a veteran in Senior Defensive Tackle Malcolm Roach. Meanwhile, the so called DBU needs some work. They were torched against LSU as they gave up 471 passing yards, but this is most likely the most dangerous offensive threat they’ll play all year and will get better as the season goes on. They will need to continue using different blitz packages and zone coverage in order to make it into the playoffs.

One last thing on why I think the Longhorns still have a shot at the playoffs is because they will get healthier at the running back position. Currently they’re relying on Sophomore running back Keontay Ingram and Freshman Quarterback/Running back Roschon Johnson. Currently they have 3 backs who are out but will be back and will make a huge impact. 

This Longhorns team is still very young, but are very talented and won’t back down from any competition. Look for them to crack their way into the top 10 very soon and maybe even a playoff spot.

Look for UT to possibly be heading back to New Orleans this upcoming January, and being crowned the best team in college football.