Texas Longhorns Favored to Win National Title Despite Criticism
Despite facing criticism for their strength of schedule, the Texas Longhorns have been ranked as the favorites to win the College Football Playoff (CFP) national title by ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI). The Longhorns, currently ranked No. 3, have a 19.8% chance of winning the national championship, according to the FPI.
The Longhorns’ latest win, a 20-10 victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks, has done little to silence their critics. Many have questioned the strength of their schedule, ranking 38th in the country. However, ESPN’s FPI disagrees, ranking the Longhorns’ overall resume as the fifth-best in the country.
The FPI also notes that the Longhorns’ remaining strength of schedule ranks No. 1 in the country, and they rank No. 4 in game control and No. 5 in average win probability. These rankings suggest that the Longhorns are well-positioned to make a deep run in the playoffs.
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian has brushed off criticism of his team’s schedule, stating that he doesn’t pay attention to outside noise. Instead, the Longhorns are focused on controlling their own destiny, with their sights set on winning the SEC Championship and ultimately, the national title.
The Longhorns’ next game is against the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday, and a win will be crucial in maintaining their position as favorites to win the national title.
ESPN FPI Top 25 Rankings:
Texas
Alabama
Ohio State
Notre Dame
Georgia
Ole Miss
Penn State
Oregon
Tennessee
Miami
Indiana
Clemson
South Carolina
Texas A&M
SMU
USC
Louisville
Tulane
LSU
Colorado
Boise State
Iowa
Iowa State
Missouri
Kansas State
While the FPI rankings are certainly promising for the Longhorns, it’s essential to remember that they are just predictions and don’t guarantee success on the field. The Longhorns will need to continue to perform at a high level to justify their position as favorites to win the national title.
