Boo Corrigan explains ranking Texas over Oklahoma despite Red River Showdown loss

When Oklahoma beat Texas on Oct. 7, nobody would have imagined the Longhorns being ranked higher in the debut College Football Playoff standings. But losing to Kansas bumped Brent Venables‘ team down a couple of spots. Usually, head-to-head is a nice tiebreaker but the Sooners are two spots below their Red River rivals.

CFP Selection Committee Chair Boo Corrigan was asked about the head-to-head result between Texas and Oklahoma, saying it can not be the only factor used. He mentioned how Texas has one of the best wins in the country, going on the road and beating Alabama.

Oklahoma losing to Kansas — who is ranked No. 21 in the CFP rankings — was part of the decision too.

“Head-to-head is really important,” Corrigan said. “When you’re looking at Texas, Texas has that win in Tuscaloosa, a great win. Oklahoma makes a great drive there at the end of the game to beat Texas in the Red River Shootout.

“But factor in there that Kansas was able to beat Oklahoma. Again, head-to-head is really important but there are so many other factors that are going to play in.”

Texas itself is in another head-to-head debate when it comes to the rankings. They sit one spot ahead of Alabama after their matchup in Tuscaloosa. Sure, there were a couple of worrying moments for the Crimson Tide but the nice wins are beginning to stack up.

Even so, the College Football Playoff committee decided to place Texas ahead of Alabama.

This could be a precedent the Selection Committee sets, ruling that head-to-head is not going to be the 100% determining factor if it comes down to two teams. Based on Corrigan’s explanation, the plan is to weigh the entire resume.

Debate between Texas, Oklahoma likely to work itself out

Sure, Texas being ahead of Oklahoma is a fun talking point heading into the weekend. But as it usually does in college football, these rankings will eventually sort themselves out.

First up, both Red River teams have some challenging games remaining on the schedule. Kansas State will head to Austin on Saturday, while Bedlam will take place in Stillwater. Both games are going to be major tests.

If all tests are passed, Texas and Oklahoma will end up facing each other in Arlington for the Big 12 Championship game. That head-to-head matchup would be the ultimate trump card, providing a conference title — something the CFP committee values almost more than anything.