Why UT football is likely to be shut out of playoffs

• Kickoff is at 11am at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The game will be broadcast on ABC.

Yes, but: Even with a win, the Longhorns are far from a sure bet to make the four-team College Football Playoff.

• At least one team ranked ahead of Texas — Michigan or Florida State — will need to lose on Saturday for the Longhorns to have a chance to make it.

Flashback: The last time UT finished the regular season in the top 10, Colt McCoy led the program to the national championship game in 2010. McCoy was injured in the first quarter and the team lost to Alabama.

Between the lines: This year, the Horns beat Alabama in the second game of the season, but if the Crimson Tide beats Georgia in the SEC championship game Saturday, they could make the playoff over the Longhorns.

• At least one SEC team has been selected for the playoff since its inception in 2014.

The big picture: Even without a playoff berth, fans have plenty to celebrate. After more than a decade of above average-to-mediocre football, UT is back.

• And the future looks bright as UT prepares to join the SEC. Freshman Arch Manning, the nephew of college and NFL stars Peyton and Eli Manning, will be competing for the starting quarterback spot next year.
• Plus, many emerging stars on offense and defense are underclassmen.

What's next: The playoff teams and bowl selections will be announced Sunday.