College Football Playoff: 5 teams that could make it for the first time in 2020

This playoff bid of Texas’ could be over before a blink of an eye. Then again, an early-season loss to the reigning national champions in Death Valley might be what helps get the Longhorns to the College Football Playoff for the first time. Winning at LSU is so hard, but keep in mind Joe Burrow is an NFL player now and Sam Ehlinger is back in Austin for his senior season. He’ll be key here.

Playing UTEP and USF in the non-conference round out the schedule, but a perfect Big 12 season could be in play for Tom Herman‘s bunch. The Longhorns have to win the Red River Rivalry in Dallas over Oklahoma. With it being the Spencer Rattler show in Norman, you have to believe Texas has the leg up at quarterback at least temporarily and in the early part of the season.

There are a few other potential slip-ups Texas could have in Big 12 play. Playing K-State in the Little Apple coming of a bye to begin conference play could be challenging. Keep in mind it was Chris Klieman’s bunch who handed Oklahoma its only conference loss a season ago. Texas Tech at Lubbock could be tricky, as could hosting Baylor and Iowa State at DKR in the second half.

Should Texas beat any of its conference foes in Arlington with one or fewer losses, the Longhorns will finally be back. We will not be able to deny it anymore. LSU and Oklahoma were two of the four playoff teams last year. Baylor made a New Year’s Six bowl last season, but won’t be as good as a year ago. Unless an Iowa State or a K-State step up, Texas will play Oklahoma in Arlington.