{"id":338056,"date":"2025-09-03T10:15:11","date_gmt":"2025-09-03T10:15:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/338056\/"},"modified":"2025-09-03T10:15:11","modified_gmt":"2025-09-03T10:15:11","slug":"steve-sarkisian-says-loss-shouldnt-affect-cfp-goals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/338056\/","title":{"rendered":"Steve Sarkisian says loss shouldn’t affect CFP goals"},"content":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n

A season-opening loss<\/a> in an earlier era of college football \u2014 like, say, 2023 \u2014 could have shattered a team\u2019s dreams. No invitation to the College Football Playoff, no chance to play for a championship, no confetti falling from the rafters.<\/p>\n

But in the second season of a 12-team CFP, a result like Texas football’s<\/a> 14-7 setback at Ohio State<\/a>\u00a0can serve as a learning lesson for a team still eyeing the ultimate goal <\/a>of a national title, Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian<\/a> said.<\/p>\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n

Not that senior defensive end Ethan Burke<\/a> cared for such platitudes outside a dirge-quiet Texas locker room Saturday at Ohio Stadium.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe’re competitors at the end of the day, and this one hurts as much as any of the others,\u201d said Burke, referring to the five other losses the Longhorns have endured since the start of the 2023 season. \u201cWe never want to lose a game. We want to be perfect. It\u2019s hard to be perfect, but today we were far from it, and we\u2019ve just got to keep fighting and get better.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The Texas Longhorns take the field ahead of their game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1)\u00a0hurdles defense from Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) in the second half of the Texas Longhorns\u2019 game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) catches a pass in the end-zone to score as Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) defends in the second half of the Texas Longhorns\u2019 game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) warms up ahead of the Texas Longhorns\u2019 game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Ohio<\/p>\n

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) take the field in the first half of the Texas Longhorns\u2019 game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns linebacker Trey Moore (8) breaks up a pass aimed for Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Bennett Christian (85) in the second half of the Texas Longhorns\u2019 game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) catches the snap in the second half of the Texas Longhorns\u2019 game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) spots a lane to run through in the second half of the Texas Longhorns\u2019 game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Ohio<\/p>\n

Ohio Stadium is reflected in the sunglasses of an Ohio State fan as they play the Texas Longhorns in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"The<\/p>\n

The Texas Longhorns play the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) brings down Ohio State Buckeyes running back James Peoples (20) in the second half of the Texas Longhorns\u2019 game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"An<\/p>\n

An Ohio State fan reacts as an interception call is reviewed and overturned in the second half of the Texas Longhorns\u2019 game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian throws up a \u201cHorns Up\u201d after speaking to the referees in the second half of the Texas Longhorns\u2019 game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Ohio<\/p>\n

Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) carries the ball as he celebrates an interception in the second half of the Texas Longhorns\u2019 game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Jimmy<\/p>\n

Jimmy Lee, who drove from Dripping Springs, shows of his T-shirt in support of quarterback Arch Manning (16) as the Texas Longhorns prepare to play the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns defensive back Jelani McDonald (4) brings down Ohio State Buckeyes running back James Peoples (20) in the first half of the Texas Longhorns\u2019 game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Matthew<\/p>\n

Matthew McConaughey chats on the sideline as the Texas Longhorns prepare to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian heads into the locker room after arriving at Ohio Stadium ahead of the Longhorns\u2019 game against the Ohio State Buckeyes, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) heads into the locker room while warming up ahead of the Longhorns\u2019 game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Ohio<\/p>\n

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) hands the ball off to Ohio State Buckeyes running back Anthony Rogers (21) in the first half of the Texas Longhorns\u2019 game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Legendary<\/p>\n

Legendary coach and analyst Lee Corso leaves the field after making his final pick, choosing Ohio State to win, ahead of the Texas Longhorns\u2019 game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Kent<\/p>\n

Kent and Andrea Thompson, from Dallas, take a photo in front of the stadium as the Texas Longhorns prepare to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025. The Thompson are attending to support their nephew, offensive lineman Connor Stroh (79).<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Cole Hutson (54) lifts wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) after Livingstone\u2019s touchdown late in the second half of the Texas Longhorns\u2019 game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Football<\/p>\n

Football fans walk through the tailgating area as the Texas Longhorns prepare to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns linebacker Liona Lefau (18) celebrates a defensive play in the first half of the Texas Longhorns\u2019 game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs the ball in the first half of the Texas Longhorns\u2019 game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) catches a snap in the first half of the Texas Longhorns\u2019 game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs the ball as Ohio State Buckeyes safety Jaylen McClain (18) makes a tackle in the first half of the Texas Longhorns\u2019 game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Ohio<\/p>\n

Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) carries the ball as he celebrates an interception in the second half of the Texas Longhorns\u2019 game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Governor Greg Abbott watches the first half of the Texas Longhorns\u2019 game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Travis Shaw (44) celebrates a defensive play in the second half of the Texas Longhorns\u2019 game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns tight end Jack Endries (88) catches a pass and is brought down by Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) in the second half of the Texas Longhorns\u2019 game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) goes down after a defensive effort from Ohio State Buckeyes linebackers Arvell Reese (8) and Payton Pierce (26) as well as safety Jaylen McClain (18) in the second half of the Texas Longhorns\u2019 game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"The<\/p>\n

The Ohio State defense work to bring down Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) in the second half of the Texas Longhorns\u2019 game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"The<\/p>\n

The Texas offense leaves the field in the second half of the Texas Longhorns\u2019 game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian walks past Ohio State fans flashing \u201cHorns Down\u201d as he heads to the locker room after losing 14-7 to the Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"The<\/p>\n

The Texas Longhorns sing \u201cThe Eyes of Texas\u201d after falling 14-7 to the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n

Things could certainly get better when it comes to postseason hopes for Texas, which dropped from No. 1 to No. 7<\/a> in this week’s Associated Press poll. The Longhorns still have a clear path to a CFP selection. They would get an automatic berth by winning the SEC and they\u2019d still likely nab one of the dozen CFP spots even if they drop one more game.<\/p>\n

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But the Longhorns\u2019 schedule<\/a> includes some tricky road trips, including visits to Georgia and Florida as well as the annual bloodletting in Dallas<\/a> against what could be a resurgent Oklahoma program. And don\u2019t forget about playing host to Texas A&M<\/a>, which desperately wants to hand the second-year SEC rival Longhorns some comeuppance after falling at home a year ago<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Lose two of those games, and Texas will probably miss the playoffs with a 9-3 record, which is what happened to fellow SEC programs Alabama, South Carolina and Ole Miss a year ago.<\/p>\n

MORE: Who are the potential unsung heroes for the 2025 Texas Longhorns?<\/a><\/p>\n

Steve Sarkisian: Ohio State loss shouldn’t ‘punish’ Texas football<\/p>\n

Sarkisian said before his team\u2019s visit to Ohio that \u201cI just don’t think either us or Ohio State, for that matter, is going to get punished for playing in this game from a CFP standpoint.\u201d<\/p>\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n

But the contest could serve as a crucial tiebreaker of sorts between Texas and the Buckeyes come postseason selection time. If Ohio State finished 9-3 in the regular season after dropping three games in a grueling Big Ten, would it edge out a Texas squad that loses two SEC games for a CFP spot? Would a 10-2 Buckeyes team that fails to reach the Big Ten title game get a better seed than a 12-1 Texas squad that wins the SEC?<\/p>\n

After his team\u2019s loss<\/a>, Sarkisian dismissed such playoff chatter. He wants his team to show improvement starting with Saturday\u2019s home opener against San Jose State<\/a>. Take care of business against every other opponent, Sarkisian told the team Monday, and Texas will eventually get the chance to take care of their ultimate goals.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think really good teams get better as the season goes on, and that’s been one of the challenges to the team,\u201d he said. \u201cWho we were Saturday does not have to be who we are this Saturday and the coming weeks. The goal is for each and every person in the organization to get better, to learn from that game. \u201cWe’ve got a ton of potential, and now we’ve got to make that come to life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Why Arch Manning can draw inspiration from Peyton Manning after Ohio State loss | Golden<\/a><\/p>\n

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\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) walks past Ohio State fans flashing \u201cHorns Down\u201d as he heads to the locker room after losing 14-7 to the Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n

How early losses impacted\u00a0CFP in 2024<\/p>\n

The current CFP format offers the smallest of sample sizes when it comes to measuring the impact of an early-season loss, but last year\u2019s results are encouraging for the Longhorns. Clemson shook off a lopsided 34-3 defeat to Georgia and eventually beat SMU in the ACC title game before losing to Texas<\/a> in round one. Notre Dame fell to, of all teams, Northern Illinois in the second week of the season but still earned an at-large spot and played in the title game.<\/p>\n

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Both of those teams kept improving in the longest season in college football history, and Burke thinks the 2025 Longhorns will do the same.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere’s so much more time,\u201d he said. \u201cWe’re going to play 15 more games, and we’re going to be fighting for the top spot in the country in a few months.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A season-opening loss in an earlier era of college football \u2014 like, say, 2023 \u2014 could have shattered…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":338057,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2026],"tags":[1627,331,7597,7,60,13394,384,1078,1079],"class_list":{"0":"post-338056","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-football","8":"tag-cfp","9":"tag-college-football","10":"tag-college-football-playoffs","11":"tag-football","12":"tag-ohio-state-buckeyes-football","13":"tag-san-jose-state","14":"tag-steve-sarkisian","15":"tag-texas-longhorns","16":"tag-texas-longhorns-football"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nfl\/115139846114371469","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/338056","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=338056"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/338056\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/338057"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=338056"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=338056"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=338056"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}