Texas Football: Longhorns Slip Slightly During Bye Week in Week 5 Polls

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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If you’re standing still, you’re losing ground. Texas football was on bye in Week 4 and it reflected in the latest polls with the Longhorns slipping one spot in both the AP and Coaches polls.

After taking a tumble in Week 3 following their loss at Cal, Texas had a week off to regroup. With most everyone else in action, the Longhorns got jumped by four teams, including previously unranked TCU, in the AP poll. In the Coaches Poll, Texas saw two teams jump them, with North Carolina and San Diego State becoming ranked this week. Heading into Week 5, Texas sits at No. 22 in the AP and No. 25 in the Coaches Polls.

While this is a disappointing drop from their No. 11 ranking two weeks ago, it feels like an appropriate slot for a Texas team with a very high ceiling. Their youth on offense and defense has shown in their first three games but the potential is there for big things in Big 12 play. Being ranked in the Top 25 is right where Texas wants to be.

The Horns are currently the third highest ranked team in the Big 12. They currently sit behind Baylor and TCU in both AP and Coaches Polls. Overall, the conference has taken a hit to their image. Currently, they only have three ranked teams heading into Week 5. The Longhorns have an opportunity to return to form as a top team in the conference. Staying in the rankings is a big first step.

Now, they need to handle their business in conference play. It starts on October 1 with Oklahoma State. If they can tighten things up defensively and continue to grow on offense, the Horns will be right in the mix at the end of the season.