**Texas Longhorns Coach Advocates for College Football Playoff Spot After Upset Win**
The Texas Longhorns football team, led by coach Steve Sarkisian, is making a strong case for inclusion in the College Football Playoff following a significant upset victory over Texas A&M. Quarterback Arch Manning played a pivotal role in the 27-17 win, completing 14 of 29 passes for 179 yards and a touchdown. Manning’s performance included a crucial 29-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Wingo in the third quarter, followed by a 35-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter that extended Texas’s lead to ten points.
Sarkisian expressed confidence in his team’s playoff potential, stating, “We’re absolutely a playoff team, and worthy of an opportunity to play for a national championship.” If the Longhorns secure a playoff spot, they would become the first team with three losses to achieve this feat. However, their chances may be hindered by a significant loss to Florida earlier in the season, alongside defeats to top-ranked Ohio State and Georgia.
Sarkisian emphasized that the Longhorns should be recognized for their challenging schedule, which included an out-of-conference matchup against the defending national champions at the start of the season. “If we’re a 10-2 team right now, this isn’t a discussion,” he remarked.
Manning echoed his coach’s sentiments, asserting, “If you let us in, we can beat anyone. If you don’t think we’re one of the best 12 teams in the country, I don’t know what to tell you.” Despite their strong performance, the Longhorns currently sit four spots behind the Miami Hurricanes in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, indicating that further chaos in college football may be necessary for Texas to secure a playoff berth.
As the season progresses, the Longhorns will continue to fight for recognition and a chance to compete for the national championship.
**FAQ**
*Can the Texas Longhorns make the College Football Playoff with three losses?*
Yes, if the Longhorns perform well in their remaining games and other teams face losses, they could potentially secure a spot in the College Football Playoff despite having three losses.