Throughout the state of Texas, there are 21 Division I college football teams, spanning throughout the FBS and FCS. Spanning from big-time programs such as Texas, Baylor, and TCU, all the way to smaller schools such as Houston Baptist and Tarleton State.
CBS Sports went state by state, naming the top Divison I school in all 50 states. Before revealing the winner within the state of Texas, they laid out some guidelines.
Picking a team is not based on historical success, only from last season. Things such as head-to-head matchups and championships were also taken into account. Everything is solely based on last season, not the upcoming 2020 season.
Baylor represents the state of Texas after its historic 2019 season. The Bears made their first-ever Big 12 championship game appearance after an 11 win season.
Matt Rhule also led Baylor to the Sugar Bowl, the best possible bowl game available for Big 12 teams that is not the College Football Playoff. Even though the Bears lost both games, the program had hit a new height.
After a disappointing 7-5 season, the Longhorns did not deserve the honor of being named the best Division I team in the state. Going into the 2019 season, it would have been a safe prediction to think the title would have gone to Texas. However, losses to LSU, Oklahoma, TCU, Iowa State, and Baylor forced the Longhorns into changes.
In their head-to-head matchup, Baylor dominated Texas, 24-10. It took a Daniel Young touchdown with 0:01 left for the Longhorns to get offensive points. The Bears dominated from start to finish.
To reclaim the title as the best Division I team in the state of Texas, the Longhorns must first win their games against in-state opponents after going 2-2 last season. Baylor, TCU, Texas Tech, and Baylor will be in-state challengers this season.
A big win against Oklahoma or Oklahoma State would certainly improve the resume. It has been since 2009 since Texas beat both schools in the same season.
The ultimate goal of winning their first Big 12 championship under Tom Herman would cement the Longhorns as the best Division I team in the state of Texas before the 2021 season.
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