College Football Roundtable Discussion
Introduction to the Roundtable
In our college football writers’ roundtable, beat writers Lia Assimakopoulos and Shawn McFarland and columnist Kevin Sherrington tackle trending issues surrounding the sport. You can follow them on X at @Lassimak, @McFarland_Shawn and @KSherringtonDMN.
This week, our writers discuss a big week for our area teams, Rhett Lashlee’s contract extension and more.
Big Wins for Area Teams
It was a big weekend for our area teams. Texas, SMU, Oklahoma, Texas Tech and UNT all had big wins on Saturday. Which win was the most impressive?
Assimakopoulos: Maybe I’m biased because I watched it firsthand, but SMU’s response against Miami after a dismal showing at Wake Forest was the most impressive to me. The Mustang offense again couldn’t run the football. Its kicker missed a critical field goal by inches. Its starting quarterback couldn’t put any weight on his ankle early in the game. But SMU still walked away with its highest-ranked win in over 40 years. Because of that, SMU’s postseason hopes are still alive.
McFarland: It’s between SMU and Texas because both effectively saved their seasons, but the tiebreaker has to go to the Mustangs, right? They knocked off a team that some considered to be a legitimate playoff contender and dragged the goalposts off of the field because of it. The Longhorns were supposed to beat Vanderbilt, though the manner in which they did gained them extra points, but SMU’s was a bit more unexpected after that Wake Forest clunker.
Sherrington: Since Lia and I have written enough about what happened at SMU, and Shawn gave us great coverage at Texas, I’m going to say Oklahoma. The Sooners were reeling going into that game in Knoxville. I could see that spiral leading to another SEC coach getting the boot, even. But Brent Venables corrected course against a good Tennessee team in a tough venue. Even got the Sooners rated over the Longhorns, which was going a bit too far, given what happened at the State Fair.
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Arch Manning’s Progress
In his last two games, Arch Manning has thrown for a combined 674 yards and 6 touchdowns with 1 interception. Is Arch starting to figure things out?
Assimakopoulos: Any first-year starter is going to take some time to adjust to the role, and Manning was another example. No one expected it would take him as long as it did, but he is starting to hit his stride. A three-touchdown, zero-interception, 300-yard performance against a Vanderbilt team that’s exceeded all expectations is an important resume-builder for the young quarterback. It’s a lot more meaningful than narrow wins over Kentucky and Mississippi State.
McFarland: It’s been as much about the pieces around Manning as it is himself. He wasn’t perfect in the first half of the season, sure, but he had to navigate a below-average offensive line and a lack of run game for the bulk of it. Manning wasn’t sacked vs. Vanderbilt and Texas coach Steve Sarkisian considered it the best protection he’s gotten this season. He can only do so much if he has to run for his life or if he only has a second to throw — it’s no surprise that he looks better as the offense around him has continued to mature.
Sherrington: Sark has to take responsibility for not realizing going into the season that his offense would be limited because of work he didn’t do. How did he let his offensive line get to this point? No explosive receivers or running backs, either. He should have had a better handle on things and given Manning an offense he could run while everyone grew up. Having said all that, Manning took longer than anyone could have imagined, but he does look better.
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Rhett Lashlee’s Contract Extension
It was a big weekend for Rhett Lashlee. Not only did he lead SMU to a win over Miami, he also got a contract extension that will reportedly make him one of the 10 highest-paid coaches in college football. In just his fourth year as a head coach, is he already a top 10 coach?
Assimakopoulos: Lashlee has proven to be a winner at a program that didn’t do a whole lot of winning before he got there. That’s the sign of a great coach. He’s turned the Mustangs into an ACC contender for back-to-back years immediately after making the jump to a power conference. He’s brought in historic recruiting classes. And he’s developed players in a time where most are hitting the portal every year. SMU made the right move by extending him, and he’s got a pretty good situation on the Hilltop.
McFarland: I mean, few have mastered the leap to a power conference as well as Lashlee and the Mustangs, so that has to count for something. I think he might be in the second or third tier of best coaches: He’s not among the Dan Lanning’s or Ryan Day’s of the sport yet, and he might not be at the Curt Cignetti or Mike Elko level either, but he’s right there with Joey McGuire, Steve Sarkisian and Lane Kiffin from my vantage point. There’s a reason that Kiffin and Lashlee were among the hottest names on this year’s carousel.
Sherrington: Pay scale comparisons are fun, but it’s like Dak Prescott holding the title as the highest-paid player in the history of the world. He came along at the right time. Lashlee’s got a lot to prove as a head coach for a guy in only his fourth year, but everything he’s done so far has been aces. Reminds me a little of the situation at TCU. Dennis Franchione turned the program around, then handed off to Gary Patterson, who exceeded his boss’s work. Sonny Dykes made SMU a winner, but Lashlee has done him one better. And he genuinely seems to appreciate the fact that SMU gave him his first shot as a head coach. All things considered, it’s a great fit.
Predictions for the First CFP Rankings
Predictions for the first CFP rankings? Any surprises for our area teams?
Assimakopoulos: Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Texas should all be there. SMU and North Texas are the two on the outside looking in. A few more wins, and they could be in the picture soon.
McFarland: I was surprised that Texas climbed as high as it did in Sunday’s AP Top 25. My guess is that they won’t rank as highly in the initial CFP poll unless the committee put serious stock in their wins against Oklahoma and Vanderbilt. This final stretch (with games against Georgia and Texas A&M) will be the real test to decide whether the Longhorns are a playoff team.
Sherrington: My guess is Texas A&M will be the highest-ranked local, followed by Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Texas. Could SMU sneak in the Top 25 because of the Miami win? Think they’ll probably have to beat Louisville to persuade the committee.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the college football season is heating up, and our area teams are making their mark. With big wins and contract extensions, it’s an exciting time for fans. As the season progresses, we can expect more surprises and thrilling matchups. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis from our writers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who are the writers participating in the roundtable discussion?
A: The writers participating in the roundtable discussion are Lia Assimakopoulos, Shawn McFarland, and Kevin Sherrington.
Q: What teams had big wins on Saturday?
A: Texas, SMU, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, and UNT all had big
