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2. Texas Longhorns

Texas is ranked No. 7 in the country and still has College Football Playoff aspirations. However, Steve Sarkisian’s squad has been dealt a couple of tough blows in recent weeks. The first occurred as the Longhorns watched Oklahoma score in the final minute to earn a 34-30 victory in the final Big 12 edition of the Red River Rivalry. The second came as starting quarterback Quinn Ewers suffered an AC joint sprain the following game against Houston. Still, the Longhorns have managed a 7-1 record, which includes a win at Alabama, and a blowout of Kansas.

In Texas’ most recent game against BYU, Malik Murphy stepped in for Ewers and put together a decent outing that helped the Longhorns to a 35-6 victory. That will need to continue for a top-25 total offense that was putting up nearly 35 points and over 450 yards per contest with Ewers at the helm. Running back Jonathon Brooks has also been a big part of the potent attack, rushing for 923 yards this season, as has top receiver Xavier Worthy, who has over 500 receiving yards. Texas’ talented defense led by leading tackler Jaylan Ford also deserves credit for the strong start. 

The defense may have to step up more with Ewers out, but if the Longhorns can get past Kansas State at home this week, and road games at TCU and Iowa State before closing the year versus Texas Tech, they should find themselves with a chance at a Big 12 title and a College Football Playoff berth.