As of Sunday, Texas returned to the top of the AP Poll after 16 years. Alongside the accolade, fans and opponents alike debated whether the Longhorns are deserving of the No. 1 spot.
The Longhorns are deserving of their ranking. Here’s why.
While people’s main argument for discrediting the Longhorns No.1 ranking is their easy non-conference matchups, they must be given credit for not playing down to their opponents’ levels. So far, Texas has coasted through its first three matchups against Colorado State 52-0, Michigan 31-12 and most recently UTSA 56-7. While Michigan started week two as a top-10 opponent, the loss of notable players last season left the Wolverines helpless to the Longhorns. Michigan’s ranking continues to drop.
Texas’ ability to execute at such a high level against all its opponents reveals the team’s strong mindset.
This could not be said about the previously ranked No. 1, now No. 2, Georgia who almost lost in its matchup last week to an unranked Kentucky, only scoring one game-saving touchdown in the fourth quarter to win 13-12.
On top of its clear dominance over its matched opponents, Texas has the right mentality to be the top-ranked team. While this feat hasn’t been reached in 16 years, the team tries not to focus on the ranking too much as it has bigger goals in mind.
“If you’re number one for week four, that doesn’t matter,” junior safety Michael Taaffe said. “I would much rather be a national champion than just ranked number one week four. So it’s really cool to get that recognition because, like I said, of where we’ve come from and how far we’ve worked to get to this spot, but if we just settle right now, then we’re not going to be legendary.”
The relationships within this Texas squad have truly helped carry the team to the top of the rankings. With a mix of veterans and newcomers on the squad, it is apparent that everyone uplifts and cares for their teammates, which creates the look of comfortability on the field.
Taaffe revealed that while he loves playing for quarterbacks junior Quinn Ewers and redshirt freshman Arch Manning, their relationship is equally as strong off the field.
“Individually, both of those guys are two of my best friends,” Taaffe said. “Both of those guys could be in my wedding one day.”
On top of relationships, Texas has arguably the best quarterback in the nation. Before he suffered an injury, Ewers led On3 Sports’ Heisman Trophy watch. He is the offense’s focal point not only on the field, but is also a steadying force off the field. With the high level of play in the SEC conference ahead for Texas, fans would expect some nerves from a 21-year-old playing in front of 100,000 people every week. However, Ewers said he doesn’t get nervous, at least not for football.
“The more you feel prepared, the less pressure is off of you,” Ewers said.
Texas has a dominant QB1 in Ewers and also has a strong QB2 in Manning. He played in the majority of last week’s game, finishing with five total touchdowns, the most a first-year quarterback has had in a single game since Longhorn legend Colt McCoy made six touchdowns in 2006.
Lastly, Texas’ defensive efficiency contributes to its ranking. Along with the team’s impressive offense, the defense’s roster is equally stacked. Within its first three matchups, Texas’ defense has allowed a mere 19 points, while scoring 139. The Longhorns have also been exemplary in shutting down their opponents’ third-down conversion attempts, only allowing 23.26% and allowing the Roadrunners to go 2-17 last Saturday.
While Texas has the qualifications to be No.1 in the AP Poll, Taaffe put it best: it is only week four and the Longhorns will have a lot more to prove this season as they inch closer to conference play.
