5 critical roadblocks that could derail Texas' College Football Playoff plans in 2024
After years of college football media breathlessly waiting to proclaim that Texas was back, 2023 seemed to fulfill that expectation. After a 12-win campaign, Texas made its first appearance in the College Football Playoff.
The Longhorns have now joined the SEC and many expect another big season. But there are reasons to be concerned. Here are five roadblocks that could ruin Texas's 2024 season.
5 critical roadblocks that could derail Texas' College Football Playoff plans in 2024
#1. Quality of opposition in the SEC
To be obvious, this is a significant step up in competition for Texas in the SEC. The Longhorns played four regular season games against ranked teams in each of their last three seasons in the Big 12. They went 5-7. Last year, Texas was favored in 13 of the 14 games they played.
In the SEC, that number of ranked foes will almost certainly increase, and Texas likely won't be a favorite 13 times. Games with Michigan, Oklahoma and Georgia are basically certain to include ranked opponents. But Kentucky, Texas A&M, Florida and others will give Texas a league run that they haven't seen in the Big 12.
#2. The offensive losses from 2023 are consequential
Yes, Texas has a wealth of offensive talent in 2024, including returning QB Quinn Ewers (more on him later). But many are glossing over Texas losing leading rusher Jonathon Brooks and their top five receivers.
While Texas is replacing those players with talent, it'll take more than talent to keep Texas on top of the SEC and earn a CFP spot. The lack of experience could be jarring.
#3. A QB controversy could be destructive.
First, there is Ewers, the returning starter. He certainly played well enough to get the starting nod and he will. But behind him is Arch Manning, one of the most hyped prep QBs ever. A year ago, Manning sat, which was fine because he plainly wasn't ready yet.
But the Manning who starred in Texas's spring game looks pretty ready. If Ewers stumbles, the calls for Manning will get loud in a hurry. It's not complicated at all to imagine a scenario in which a QB battle could derail Texas's season in a hurry.
#4. The defensive line could have problems.
A year ago, Texas had a great season in run defense, thanks in large part to defensive tackles T'vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy. Both of those players are gone, and the line that held opponents to 82 rushing yards per game and 2.9 yards per carry will have some issues. Texas's defense has plenty of talent, but they won't be the same up front and that could be huge.
#5. Being the hunted is different than being the hunter.
The high regard for Texas in the SEC will have a down side. Opponents won't be taking the Longhorns lightly. Texas had an outstanding season in 2023, and they can't go under the radar. SEC teams will want to make a point. A challenging league schedule will have plenty of teams planning their season around upsetting Texas. UT is the hunted and not the hunter, and that's a big difference.