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Texas’ New AP Poll Ranking Dangerous for Charlie Strong?

By Rodney Stokes Jr

Dec 5, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Charlie Strong during the game against the Baylor Bears at McLane Stadium. The Longhorns defeat the Bears 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Charlie Strong during the game against the Baylor Bears at McLane Stadium. The Longhorns defeat the Bears 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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As many of us already know, the Texas Longhorns put on quite a show last Sunday and defeated then #10 Notre Dame. It was the highlight of Charlie Strong’s career and it showed the depth and intelligence of new offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert.

In most cases, a win against a top 10 team in the first week would at least put you in the top 25.

Many would be more than satisfied for a ranking between 18 and 25. However, when the most valuable school in the country defeats Notre Dame, the ranking of 11th in the country can seem like it’s well worth it.

Here’s the problem. One game shouldn’t vault this team into the top 15, not yet anyway.

While Texas did their part in winning against Notre Dame, the new ranking puts added pressure on a young team that needs guidance, not falsifications, to finish out the year on top. It’s possible that this team rides the high-ranking train through January. And trust me, nobody wants to see Texas as a powerhouse again more than myself.

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However, young teams have young minds. Moving up in the rankings is always exciting, it can be an embarrassment of riches for some.

When Charlie Strong first came to Texas, it had a lot to do with his ability to fix the poor culture that had grown within the locker room and on the field. Players simply felt that because they were the Longhorns that they would automatically be successful. That wasn’t the case, and even more evident when not a single player was selected in the 2013 NFL Draft.

For Strong, the best thing that he can provide his players is the underdog mentality. The notion that Texas still doesn’t have the respect that they deserve and that they still need to earn it.

Rankings mean nothing when you stack up teams, but it means everything when you’re trying to give perspective. If say Texas loses to Cal, Oklahoma State or even a surprise game next week against UTEP, it’ll be considered an upset. An upset that will have the boosters in Texas in a fury.

Next: College Football Preview: Virginia Tech vs. Tennessee

Yes, this team can compete. They also have a freshman quarterback and litter the field with first and second year players.

Charlie Strong cooled some heat on his seat with a win against Notre Dame. Yet the new rankings didn’t set him aside from the heat. It’ll be up to him and his coaching staff to keep this team afloat. The newest rankings cannot divert this team from what it takes to be successful.

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