Longhorns surge to No. 13 after dramatic Vanderbilt win. Arch Manning shines as Texas reasserts SEC contender status, silencing doubts and fueling playoff hopes.
After a last-minute fourth quarter surge from the Vanderbilt Commodores, the Texas Longhorns left Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium with a much-needed win against a top ten team. The 31–27 victory helped propel Texas up the AP Poll, jumping from No. 20 to No. 13–its best ranking since late September and a sign that the Longhorns’ midseason struggles may finally be behind them.
It was a statement win for head coach Steve Sarkisian’s group, which entered Saturday desperate to reestablish itself in the national conversation after an inconsistent October. Behind an efficient showing from quarterback Arch Manning and a revitalized offensive line that didn’t allow a single sack, the Longhorns handed Vanderbilt its second loss of the year and reminded the SEC that they can still contend with the conference’s best.
The only other SEC team to see as big a jump in the rankings was No. 11 Oklahoma, which climbed seven spots after edging out Tennessee 33–27 in a late-night shootout. The Sooners’ victory in Knoxville was enough to keep them two spots ahead of Texas–a decision that has reignited debate over how the AP Poll values head-to-head results.
Back in early October, the Longhorns handed Oklahoma its first loss of the season, a dominant 23–6 performance that many believed would reignite Texas’ climb to national championship contender status. But since then, Oklahoma has maintained a higher ranking despite a softer schedule and a lack of ranked wins.
That disparity has stirred frustration amongst Texas fans, with many arguing that the Longhorns’ resume is stronger on paper. Texas now owns two wins over top ten teams–Oklahoma and Vanderbilt–while the Sooners have yet to beat a top ten opponent.
Regardless of whatever conflicts or controversies arise from the AP Poll, the rankings that truly matter will come out Tuesday night when the College Football Playoff committee releases its rankings. While Texas may not find itself with a top twelve spot right away, these rankings will set the bar for where Texas is and where it needs to be.
With a bye week ahead before traveling to face Georgia in Athens, Texas will have time to rest and refine. If the Longhorns can carry this momentum into November, their climb up the rankings might not stop at No. 13.
For now, though, Sarkisian’s team has reasserted itself as a true SEC contender–one that’s finally beginning to look like the team many expected back in September.