Paul Finebaum has entered the fray of individuals high on Texas’s outlook under Steve Sarkisian entering 2024.
A season ago, the Longhorns made their first appearance in the College Football Playoff. Texas would ultimately lose to Washington, and now the program faces the ultimate test of transitioning into the SEC.
Finebaum isn’t bothered by that outlook, admitting on Monday that he remains high on Texas in part because of the experience of last year. He also told “McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning” that the talent in the quarterback room goes a long way in college football.
“I’m really high on Texas. And it’s because of getting there last year and experiencing that run,” Finebaum explained. “I think when you have a QB room as solid as this it really makes things a lot easier and they have so many compliments around that. They have a coaching staff that has some experience.”
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As for the “next rung” behind Georgia, Finebaum acknowledged that some might want to include Alabama, but he expects losing Nick Saban to take a toll on the Tide. He did keep Alabama in the discussion with Texas and said there is “quite a group” behind the Tide and Longhorns fighting for the 4th spot in the conference.
“I know a lot of people in the SEC when I say that go ‘Well, what about Alabama? What about –,’ and that’s fair. I think if there had not been a coaching change at Alabama, I would be more likely to include Alabama as the next team,” said Finebaum. “But I think coaching changes do take their toll, especially when you see some of the players that left.”
Finebaum is not alone in his assessment. ESPN’s Matt Barrie included Texas as the No. 2 team behind Georgia. The big difference is Barrie omitted Alabama from his discussion entirely.
2024 SEC odds
The SEC transition is undoubtedly a tough one, but oddsmakers believe the Longhorns are suited to make the jump. ESPN Bet has Georgia as the favorite entering 2024 at +200 to win the SEC Championship, but Texas is not far behind at +275. (Meanwhile, Oklahoma is a certified longshot at +4000 this year under Brent Venables.)
Ole Miss is 3rd in those odds at +550 while Alabama and new head coach Kalen DeBoer check in at +900. It shapes up for an interesting race to Atlanta this fall, but like it or not, fans should prepare for the Longhorns being in the mix even as the new kids on the block this fall.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
