Texas and the CFP: A Love Story (Mostly Unrequited)
Who Would've Thought? Texas and Patience, a Match Made in... Well, Not Quite Heaven
Let's talk about Texas football. It's a tale as old as time, or at least as old as the invention of the forward pass. A story of legendary coaches, larger-than-life personalities, and a fan base that bleeds burnt orange. But there's a chapter in this epic saga that’s been a bit of a tearjerker: the College Football Playoff (CFP).
You see, Texas has been around for a while. Like, really, really long. They’ve got a history as rich and thick as a Texas barbecue brisket. They’ve won national championships, produced Heisman Trophy winners, and filled stadiums to the brim with more noise than a rodeo. So, when the CFP rolled around, you’d think it would be a match made in football heaven, right?
The CFP: A Heartbreaker for Longhorn Fans
Well, hold onto your cowboy hats, folks, because it hasn’t been quite that simple. For years, Texas fans have been watching other teams strut their stuff in the CFP while their beloved Longhorns sat on the sidelines, nursing a collective case of the blues. It’s like being the most popular kid in school who never gets asked to the prom. Ouch.
The Drought is Over (Sort Of)
But wait, there’s a twist to this story. In 2024, Texas finally broke through the CFP barrier. It was like a long-lost relative suddenly winning the lottery. The state of Texas erupted in a collective cheer that could probably be heard from space. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated joy.
But let’s be real, one appearance doesn’t erase years of disappointment. It's like finally getting a date after being single for a decade. It's exciting, but it's also a lot to process. So, while we celebrate this monumental achievement, we also recognize that there's still work to be done.
The Future is Bright (Or So We Hope)
So, where do we go from here? Well, that's the beauty of college football. Every season is a new chapter, a fresh start. Texas has shown that they can compete at the highest level. Now, the challenge is to build on that success and become a consistent CFP contender.
It's a journey, not a destination. And while there might be some bumps along the way, one thing is certain: Texas fans will be there, cheering their team on every step of the way. Because let’s face it, there’s nothing quite like the passion and loyalty of a Longhorn fan.
How to...
- How to handle being a Texas fan: Embrace the ups and downs, wear burnt orange proudly, and always believe.
- How to prepare for the next CFP season: Start stockpiling barbecue supplies, practice your "Hook 'Em Horns," and invest in therapy sessions for when your heart inevitably gets broken.
- How to explain the CFP to a non-football fan: Use simple terms like "big tournament" and "best teams." Avoid jargon like "playoff selection committee" and "New Year's Six bowls."
- How to cope with CFP disappointment: Find a loyal companion (preferably a dog), binge-watch your favorite shows, and eat copious amounts of comfort food.
- How to show support for the team: Wear your Texas gear, attend games (if possible), and be a vocal cheerleader on social media.