Howdy Partner, Hold Onto Your Stetsons: A Guide to Texas Wranglin' Their Way into the CFP
Well folks, gather 'round the campfire and listen close. It's that time of year again, where the leaves are changin' (though maybe not so much in Texas), the chill is in the air (okay, maybe just a little AC cranked up), and the most important question on every Longhorn fan's mind is burnin' brighter than a ten-gallon hat in July: Can Texas lasso themselves a spot in the College Football Playoff?
The Straight Dope: Here's What Texas Needs
Let's not sugarcoat it, folks. The path to the CFP ain't exactly paved with pecan pie. Texas needs to pull off a three-step shuffle smoother than a two-stepping champion to get there.
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Win the Big 12 Championship: This one's a no-brainer, y'all. Gotta take down the whole conference to prove you're the top dog in the corral. No stumbles, no fumbles, just pure domination.
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Hope for Some Divine Intervention (or Upsets, Whichever You Prefer): Here's where things get interesting. Even winnin' the Big 12 might not be enough. Texas needs a little somethin' somethin' from the college football gods. We're talkin' upsets of epic proportions, the kind that would make even tumbleweeds do a double-take. Think Alabama gettin' surprised by a team wearin' overalls and sippin' sweet tea, or Clemson gettin' outsmarted by a mascot with a really good head coach costume.
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Become Everyone's Favorite Team (Except Maybe Oklahoma): Look, the selection committee isn't just swayed by wins and losses. They gotta like ya too! So, Texas needs to turn on the charm offensive. Maybe Ehlinger can start wearin' a different kind of burnt orange – the kind that comes with a friendly smile and a basket of kolaches.
The Not-So-Straight Dope: The "What Ifs" and Wild Card Scenarios
Now, let's face it, college football is crazier than a jackrabbit on espresso. So, what if the stars don't align just right? Well, fret not, friends! There's always a chance for some good ol' fashioned chaos:
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The "One-Loss Big 12 Champion Gets Snubbed" Scenario: This one involves the committee pullin' a fast one and leavin' Texas out in the dust, even with a conference championship win. If that happens, well, hold onto your hats – there might be more outrage than at a rodeo clown convention.
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The "Complete and Utter Bedlam" Scenario: Imagine a world where every conference championship game ends in a tie, or a rogue herd of longhorns decides to take a vacation on the field during a crucial play. In this chaotic landscape, anything's possible, even Texas wrangling their way in with a good enough "look" in the committee's eyes.
The Bottom Line: It Ain't Easy, But We Believe (Maybe)
Look, folks, the road to the CFP for Texas is about as straight as a bucking bronco. But hey, that's what makes college football so darn exciting, right? So, grab your favorite snacks, put on your burnt orange best, and get ready to cheer like you've never cheered before. Because win or lose, one thing's for sure: it's gonna be a wild ride!
