Finebaum says Texas should reach CFP at 9-3

The College Football Playoff race is tightening, with Miami atop the AP poll after a 6-0 start and Ohio State rebounding from an early loss with five straight wins. Georgia leads the SEC playoff outlook, while Alabama, LSU and Texas are also viewed as strong contenders; LSU’s upcoming games against Alabama and Texas could reshape all three teams’ chances. Texas is 5-2 after beating Ole Miss, and analyst Paul Finebaum argues the Longhorns could merit a playoff berth even with a 9-3 finish, pointing to wins over Ohio State, Tennessee and Ole Miss and a demanding schedule. Texas still faces a difficult stretch, including games against LSU, Missouri and Texas A&M, while other contenders will need to strengthen their résumés in the remaining weeks.