Introduction to the Best in Texas

Not since conjuring the solemn duty of quantifying the Best in Texas more than a decade ago has yours truly witnessed a season quite like this one, when four Lone Star teams could earn conference title game berths in the same week. How about that? Maybe we really could secede.

Texas A&M, Texas Tech, SMU and North Texas could each clinch in the final game of the regular season, and, frankly, I like their chances.

Teams’ Chances and Upcoming Games

The Aggies face the stiffest test Friday in Austin, where the Longhorns seem to have recovered from their trip to Georgia. In a dominant win over Arkansas, Arch Manning became the first player in Texas’ long history to catch, throw and run for a touchdown in the same game, accounting for a half-dozen in all. And even that wasn’t enough.

“I left a lot out there,” Manning said.

He’ll need everything he’s got against the Aggies, who look like a team of destiny for the first time in decades.

Mike Elko doesn’t like talking about the past, even if he’s the one stirring it up. Of course, what really bothers him is recent history, like last year, when a loss to Texas in College Station officially eliminated the Aggies from the Southeastern Conference title game.

Conference Title Games and Playoffs

Texas could make it hard on A&M to get to Atlanta this year, too. A loss would not only spoil the Aggies’ perfect season, they’d need help from Auburn and Mississippi State against Alabama and Ole Miss, respectively. Doesn’t seem likely, but rivalry games often defy science.

Tech, SMU and UNT have easier paths to their league championship games. SMU needed help and got it Saturday from Pitt’s upset of Georgia Tech. Win, and the Mustangs are in. Same goes for the Red Raiders and Mean Green.

Related

Like A&M, Tech is positioning itself for more than just a conference title. The Red Raiders, fifth in the last College Football Playoff rankings, are this close to a first-round bye in the playoffs. Tech is “highly regarded” by the committee, chairman Hunter Yurachek said last week. A win in Morgantown, W.Va., and a loss by the Aggies probably moves them into the top four.

Best in Texas Rankings

1. Texas A&M (11-0)

Aggies one win away from first undefeated regular season since 1994.

Last: 48-0 win over Samford.

Next: at Texas on Friday.

2. Texas Tech (10-1)

One more win, and Red Raiders clinch first Big 12 title game appearance.

Last: idle.

Next: at West Virginia on Saturday.

3. Texas (8-3)

Arch Manning throws for four TDs, runs one in, catches another TD.

Last: 52-37 win over Arkansas.

Next: Texas A&M on Friday.

4. SMU (8-3)

Finish November sweep, and Mustangs make Atlantic Coast Conference title game for second straight year.

Last: 38-6 win over Louisville.

Next: at Cal on Saturday.

5. UNT (10-1)

Mean Green’s 68 TDs on season break school record of 64, set in 1951.

Last: 56-24 win over Rice.

Next: Temple on Friday.

Other Teams in the Best in Texas

TCU (7-4)

Horned Frogs get first road win over ranked team since 2022.

Last: 17-14 win over Houston.

Next: at Cincinnati on Saturday.

Houston (8-3)

Coogs miss potential game-tying 38-yard FG in final minute.

Last: 17-14 loss to TCU.

Next: at Baylor on Saturday.

Baylor (5-6)

Getting rid of athletic director apparently enough for Bears.

Last: 41-17 loss to Arizona.

Next: Houston on Saturday.

UTSA (6-5)

Roadrunners aim for season-first three-game winning streak.

Last: 58-24 win over East Carolina.

Next: Army on Saturday.

Texas State (5-6)

Bobcats’ late-season correction gives them shot at bowl eligibility.

Last: 31-14 win over Louisiana-Monroe.

Next: South Alabama on Saturday.

Rice (5-6)

Not looking like Owls will be bowling.

Last: 56-24 loss to UNT.

Next: at South Florida on Saturday.

UTEP (2-9)

In Battle of Interstate 10’s 102nd rendition, Miners lose in final minute.

Last: 34-31 loss to New Mexico State.

Next: at Delaware on Saturday.

Sam Houston (2-9)

Bearkats’ winning streak over at two.

Last: 31-17 loss to Middle Tennessee.

Next: Florida International on Saturday.

Conclusion

The Best in Texas is an exciting and competitive conference, with several teams vying for the top spot. Texas A&M, Texas Tech, SMU, and North Texas are all in contention for conference title game berths, and their upcoming games will be crucial in determining the final standings.

The Red Raiders are positioning themselves for more than just a conference title, with a potential first-round bye in the playoffs on the line. Meanwhile, the Aggies are looking to complete their first undefeated regular season since 1994.

With so much at stake, the final games of the regular season are sure to be thrilling. Will the Aggies be able to overcome the Longhorns and secure their spot in the conference title game? Can the Red Raiders keep their momentum going and earn a first-round