Greg McElroy believes Texas needs a win and ‘chaos’ to reach CFP

For the first time in the College Football Playoff era, Texas finds itself in position to be one of the final four teams called on Selection Sunday. Once again ranked No. 7 in Tuesday’s rankings, the formula to getting in is not exactly easy. If you ask ESPN’s Greg McElroy, taking down Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Championship will not be enough.

“I don’t think they can do anything,” McElroy said during Thursday’s episode of Andy Staples On3. “They have to win, obviously, and hope for chaos… Top five teams are win and in. Texas needs one upset and I’m not talking about Washington over Oregon. You need Louisville to beat Florida State. You need Bama to beat Georgia.”

For all intents and purposes, the winner of the Pac-12 title game is going to the playoff. The situation for Washington is a simple one, being undefeated and having a great win against Oregon. It’s similar to Florida State — you cannot argue against an undefeated Power Five champion getting in.

If Oregon were to win in Las Vegas, they would be similar to Texas. One loss in a rivalry game but went on to win their respective conference. Many would argue Steve Sarkisian‘s team easily has the better resume, having a handful of wins against ranked opponents.

Unfortunately for those in Austin, the CFP committee has continued to place Oregon ahead of Texas in the rankings. McElroy does not fully agree with the sentiment, thinking there should be a debate between the two.

“The committee has said that Oregon is better than Texas,” McElroy said. “I would offer up a debate there. Not saying that I would win the debate. I just think there needs to be a debate that’s had… The committee has already told us that [Oregon] is better than Texas. Which I’m fine with, I get it.”

Getting a win in Arlington will be top priority on Saturday. With kickoff at 11 a.m. from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX, Texas can play to win the game. The program has not brought a Big 12 Championship trophy home since the 2009 season and this is their last opportunity.

If they come out winners, Texas will have to spend the rest of their day as spectators. Maybe Sarkisian has some Alabama gear leftover from his time in Tuscaloosa. If Georgia is able to get a win, nobody — other than Louisville fans — will be cheering harder for the Cardinals.