It’s official, No. 13 Texas did not make the College Football Playoff, despite the campaigning by head coach Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns’ staff.
Instead, the Longhorns will be heading to the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl to play No. 18 Michigan at 2 p.m. CT at Camping World Stadium on New Year’s Eve.
Sarkisian seemed more resigned to his team’s fate after the committee released its penultimate poll on Tuesday, effectively putting Miami in the last bubble spot.
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“I guess I’m at a point now where we can agree to disagree on what the principles and the parameters are on what makes up one of the best 12 teams in the country to play in the playoff,” Sarkisian said during his signing day media availability on Wednesday.
The decision could bring about changes in the scheduling of nonconference games in the future. Although Sarkisian confirmed that the Longhorns would be honoring their games against Ohio State and Michigan the next two years, after that, the team has no incentive to play a challenging game.
“I love playing those games,” Sarkisian. “I don’t like the repercussions of playing those games if I don’t get rewarded for playing those games, and I think (Athletic Director Chris Del Conte) is in line with that too, so we’re very aligned.”
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Although the result was not what the team wanted, the Longhorns will get a little more time to prepare for their bowl game in a few weeks. Last Wednesday, Sarkisian said that the team will plan to get 15 to 18 practices before the game, working on developing and looking at younger players.
Sarkisian also said he doesn’t expect many players to opt out. Not only do many want to play for their teammates, but they also need more product on tape for the NFL.
“Every player on our team, whether they’re going to the draft or not, needs to play in this game. It’s another opportunity to build their resume, to put things on tape that the NFL can lean into, that can help them evaluate them for the draft,” Sarkisian said. “We’re going to play a quality opponent, regardless of who it is, so they can work on their craft here in December and maybe put a little better product on the field for them.”
Texas will also get more time to have its exit interviews, bring in players from the transfer portal, specifically talented offensive linemen, and get one last game before focusing on next season.
“I’m not going to apologize for going 6-2 in the SEC with arguably the hardest schedule either, and the fact that in regular season play, we’re 13-3,” Sarkisian said. “Our first two years in the conference is something that we’re proud of. Hopefully we’re better next year.”
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