Where’s the Love for the Longhorns?

By: John Schroeder
Updated: October 26th, 2009

ATLANTA – Last year the BCS computer rankings denied Texas a shot at the Big XII title and the potential for a spot in the national championship game. A year has passed and the Longhorns seem to have learned their lesson, going undefeated and rolling up an average margin of victory of 28 points per game.

So what about the computers, have they learned not to underestimate a Texas squad that is 19-1 over the past two seasons?

A careful reading of the new BCS rankings shows Texas to be underappreciated. Ranked #3 in both human polls, the six BCS computers have Texas at 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 10th and 14th. Yes one computer has the ‘Horns at #14 behind Georgia Tech, Penn State, Virginia Tech, and even 5-2 Arizona.

The Longhorns have played dominant football against a tough Big XII schedule. Look for the BCS computers to slowly start to catch on next week after the Longhorns take care of business in Stillwater against #13 Oklahoma State.

The Six Claims to #1:

• Favorite of Vegas: Texas – a 9 point favorite at Oklahoma State; Gators fall to #2 for the 1st time in ‘09
• Quality Wins: Alabama – wins over Tennessee, Virginia Tech, Ark., So. Car., UK, and Mississippi
• Style Points: Texas – averaging a 28-point margin of victory against Div. 1-A opponents
• Hottest Right Now: Texas – followed up Red River Rivalry with a 41-7 domination at Missouri
• Road Warrior: Southern Cal. – road wins at California and Ohio State
• Best Undefeated: Alabama – unbeaten, brutal SEC schedule, plus week 1 win over the Hokies