Had you not played Texas I think you would have gotten the Gator Bowl
All you had to do was schedule someone like Memphis, South Alabama, or MTSU instead of Texas and you would have had seven wins. You can make fun of our schedule, but the fact of the matter is- we're going to a NYD bowl game, and a good one at that while you are going to Birmingham.
We're your signature win this year- beating Auburn and Arkansas this year isn't all that great, nor is beating UTEP, Tulane, or Central Arkansas. I actually wouldn't be surprised if Tulane is worse than any of our D-I non-conference opponents. South Alabama would give them a run for their money.
So, my question is this- was playing Texas worth it to you? Objectively, I would say no.