Texas’ season might not be over just quite yet. Yes, there is still a bowl game to be played before the New Year but the Longhorns could be suiting up at AT&T Stadium on Dec. 19.
Per Ralph D. Russo of the AP, if either Oklahoma or Iowa State are not able to participate in the Big 12 championship on Saturday, a replacement team would take their spot. The current standings and tiebreaks would be the determinants.
Texas (6-3) and Oklahoma State (7-3) are currently tied for third in the Big 12, despite the Cowboys having one more win. Being tied in the loss column is more important in this scenario, putting Texas ahead due to the head to head win on Oct. 31.
Of course, this would require Oklahoma or Iowa State to be dealing with COVID-19 complications while not being able to fulfill Big 12 position guidelines.
Even then Texas may not be able to participate. Football operations are still shut down because of positive coronavirus tests. In the latest report, there were at least 23 players and a few staff members who had tested positive or would have been held out due to contact tracing.
From the Big 12, if either Oklahoma or Iowa State cannot play in the championship game a replacement team will be selected using the standings and tiebreakers. Texas is next in line to play if the Cyclones or Sooners cannot.
— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) December 13, 2020
Rematches against Iowa State and Oklahoma would be revenge games for Texas. Both teams beat the Longhorns by a combined 11 points, with the Red River Shootout going to a fourth overtime.
It is unlikely that this scenario plays out. Both Big 12 championship participants will have had two weeks to make sure they are fully healthy.
Oklahoma will be aiming for its sixth consecutive conference title, four of which have come under fourth-year head coach Lincoln Riley. Iowa State is in search of its first conference title since 1912. They have never participated in a Big 12 championship.