By now, all the SEC has heard the shots the Texas Longhorns fired around the “Big House.” After a thrilling contest last Saturday and a full slaughter in Week 1, Texas has arrived. Rising to No. 2 in the AP poll rankings has Texas feeling mighty good. Michigan’s precipitous drop is a clear indication they’re not expected to fare much better this season. The former champions and Texas’ biggest opponents are ostensibly out of the way. What does that mean for the Texas Longhorns and who’s next?
They’ve Been Through the Desert…
Nineteen solid years passed since these two Goliaths went at it during the Rose Bowl. In January 2005, the Texas Longhorns faced Michigan for the first time at the Rose Bowl. Vince Young would go on to relive that memorable occasion this past week. It appeared history would repeat itself as the Texas Longhorns overtook the Michigan Wolverines in Week 2.
Whereas that historic game still ended in Texas’ favor 38-37, this game finished at 31-12. Michigan’s sound defeat by the Texas Longhorns rang out in the AP poll rankings this week. They dropped to a shocking No. 17 while Texas rose to No. 2. Their status as playoff contenders has been cemented early. Longhorns’ Head Coach Steve Sarkisian may have said it best on Saturday, “None of these moments should feel too big to us anymore. This is who we are now.”
…On a Horse with No Name
The road to the playoffs is mired in manure for the Texas Longhorns this year. There are still several hurdles to jump and several enemies to conquer. They may have crushed the Michigan Wolverines easily, but Texas’ schedule is still tough. Who are the true major opponents when there’s still every SEC team left to play?
Luckily for them, Texas enjoys a home stretch for the next three games. SEC contests begin on that third home game against Mississippi State. After that, it’s an alternating Home/Away schedule, ending with the final regular season game against Texas A&M. The animosity runs deep between these two and now they’re back in the same conference. Things are bound to get interesting.
Final Thoughts
Before taking on Texas A&M and the SEC, the Texas Longhorns will battle UTSA in Week 3. The UTSA Roadrunners are in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) with members like Rice, Tulane, the Army, and Navy. Despite the differing conferences, some consider UTSA to be playoff contenders this year.
The Roadrunners won their opening game against Kennesaw State 28-16 but lost to Texas State 49-10 last week. In a Texas vs. Texas matchup, which city’s team will come out on top? Texas will need to utilize that upcoming home-field advantage to maintain its momentum.
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