Texas Longhorns

Why Beating Texas Tech Could Mean Everything for Texas Football

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

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It’s no secret that Charlie Strong’s tenure at Texas so far has left fans wanting more. Back-to-back losing seasons and the struggles to 4-4 this season have Strong on the hot seat. While there is speculation about the future of Texas football running rampant, the direction of the program could hinge on this Saturday’s game at Texas Tech.

First and foremost, Texas’ effort away from DKR has been less than excellent. They are winless on the road and have been at their worst off the Forty Acres. For the Horns to consider this season any kind of success, they have to fix their road issues. Lubbock is as good a spot as any after their 34-13 win their last time in town in 2014.

More importantly, this game will be key to preventing a third straight losing season for Strong and the Horns. In order to get bowl eligible and secure Strong’s first winning season at Texas, they need to win two of their next four games. Losing to the Red Raiders would put Texas well behind the eight ball.

At 4-5, Texas would have win two of their last three games. They have a very winnable game at Texas, but a difficult matchup against West Virginia ahead of their regular season finale against TCU. Considering they split the games against Kansas and WVU, that puts a tremendous amount of pressure for a 5-6 Texas team against the Horned Frogs. Charlie Strong, for what it’s worth, has never beaten Gary Patterson and TCU.

However, if Texas beats Texas Tech, they improve to 5-4 and will be in good shape to reach bowl eligibility. Again splitting the Kansas and West Virginia games, the Horns could go into the TCU game at 6-5. The pressure of getting bowl eligible would be lifted. They could even push for a 7-5 regular season finish and head into the bowl season with some energy.

With a bowl win, Texas finishes the year 7-6 or 8-5 and Charlie Strong has a pretty strong case to stick around in 2017. Texas losing to Tech, though, paints a bleaker picture. Texas would be fortunate to win two of their last three to get to 6-6. They more likely would end up 5-7 again and that would be certain doom for Strong’s tenure at Texas.

So when Texas takes the field this Saturday, it will be about more than just securing a fifth win. It could mean everything to the current state of Texas football.