Texas’ chances of making the College Football Playoff took a dive following its 35-10 loss to then-No. 5 Georgia in Week 12.
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The defeat dropped the Longhorns to 7-3 before getting set to finish the regular season against Arkansas and No. 3 Texas A&M. The Longhorns need to win out (and probably dominate the Aggies) and get some help to ascend the rankings before the CFP bracket is decided on Dec. 7.
On Saturday, Texas appeared ready to take care of Arkansas. Following a strong third quarter where they outscored Arkansas 21-3, the Longhorns extended their lead to 45-23 before the start of the fourth quarter at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium.
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However, one play during the game will haunt Texas for its matchup against Texas A&M in Week 14.
In the third quarter, Texas linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith was called for targeting when he attempted to make a play on wide receiver Raylen Sharpe. The call was upheld following the review, meaning Smith will not be available in the first half of the Texas-Texas A&M game.
Smith made two tackles before the ejection on Saturday. The sophomore linebacker entered the contest with 44 total tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery for the Longhorns this season.
He’ll be a huge absence for Texas when the defense has to go against star quarterback Marcel Reed and an explosive Aggies offense.
Texas A&M has only scored fewer than 30 points in one game this season, a 16-10 win over Auburn on Sept. 27. The Aggies came into Week 13 ranked No. 10 in points per game (37.1) in the FBS. Texas A&M destroyed Samford 48-0 on Saturday.
Regardless of Smith’s status for Week 14, the Longhorns are going to need quarterback Arch Manning and the offense to put up a lot of points if they hope to upset Texas A&M. The Texas offense looked much better against Arkansas than it did against Georgia.
For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.
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