ESPN College Football Power Rankings: Texas climbs three spots despite postponement

Despite the Kansas postponement, Texas climbed three spots in ESPN’s college football power rankings this week.

Texas is suddenly in the thick of the Big 12 title race.

After suffering back-to-back losses to TCU and Oklahoma early on in the season, the cards have fallen in Texas’ favor ever since. The Longhorns are riding a three-game win streak and now control their own destiny.

As a bonus benefit, Texas hasn’t had to play in a game since Nov. 7. That’s nearly three weeks off to rest and get healthy before facing No. 15 Iowa State on Nov. 27.

In a season where many counted out the Longhorns from any potential title chances, Texas is now one of the favorites to reach the Big 12 Championship game. Iowa State and Kansas State will be a tough test, but Tom Herman’s squad should confidently defeat Kansas to close out the regular season.

In ESPN’s college football power rankings this week, Texas climbed three spots to No. 21 overall.

“The Longhorns’ game Saturday with Kansas was postponed until Dec. 12 because of a combination of COVID-19 issues and injuries within the Kansas program. Texas will have gone 20 days without playing a game when it takes on Iowa State the day after Thanksgiving. The Longhorns have won three straight games after losing in back-to-back weeks to TCU and Oklahoma. A victory over the Cyclones would keep them in the thick of the Big 12 race.”

Two other Big 12 programs appeared ahead of the Longhorns on this particular list — Iowa State at No. 14 and Oklahoma at No. 15. Oklahoma State isn’t far behind at No. 23 overall.

It’s now seemingly a four-way race for the Big 12 title. If Texas is able to win their final three games, they’ll reach the title game due to owning the tiebreaker over Oklahoma State.