The Texas Longhorns have fallen from their preseason No. 1 ranking and are now unlikely to make the College Football Playoff, suffering their third loss of the season to Georgia with a 35-10 defeat.
The team has struggled in road games, with this loss being particularly damaging, overshadowing any playoff hopes. The article points to several reasons for Texas's underperformance, including an average offensive line, inconsistent wide receiver play, and quarterback Arch Manning's development not meeting the high expectations set by preseason hype and his family lineage.
Coach Steve Sarkisian's game management and coaching decisions have also been questioned, especially after being outcoached by Georgia's Kirby Smart for the third time. Despite coach Sarkisian's assertion that all season goals remain attainable, Texas faces a difficult path to the playoff, requiring several other top teams to lose in the remaining weeks.
The team's significant struggles in running the ball, a key area of weakness, further highlight a disconnect between the team's aspirations and its actual performance on the field. The loss to Georgia, characterized by a disastrous fourth quarter including an onside kick recovery by the Bulldogs, signifies a regression for the program and a failure to live up to the lofty expectations placed upon them.
