Why is the Texas Longhorns football team always ranked when the season starts?

[Fairgame]

I just watched Maryland put it to Texas. And I started to think (sometimes this is very unfortunate). Starting with the 2010 season Texas has a record of 46 - 42. But it always seems as though they are ranked as one of the top 20 teams in the nation.

Yet Kansas state has been 60 - 31 during that same time span. And, if my memory is correct, they have only been ranked once in the preseason during that same time period.

So, what do I take from this? It is simple, it is all about the coach. The pundits look at what players have been recruited by Texas and say "Man, those guys are good, any coach will have success." Then of course they fall flat and at times look just terrible.

Yet, Bill Snyder takes the left overs and molds a fantastic team and does this over and over again. Hmmm, Shocker Nation, does this sound familiar?

[im4wsu]

I just watched Maryland put it to Texas. And I started to think (sometimes this is very unfortunate). Starting with the 2010 season Texas has a record of 46 - 42. But it always seems as though they are ranked as one of the top 20 teams in the nation.

Yet Kansas state has been 60 - 31 during that same time span. And, if my memory is correct, they have only been ranked once in the preseason during that same time period.

So, what do I take from this? It is simple, it is all about the coach. The pundits look at what players have been recruited by Texas and say "Man, those guys are good, any coach will have success." Then of course they fall flat and at times look just terrible.

Yet, Bill Snyder takes the left overs and molds a fantastic team and does this over and over again. Hmmm, Shocker Nation, does this sound familiar?

We don't pay attention to Texas or Kansas State or Kansas (using the next term very loosely) football

[1972Shocker]

I like to keep tabs on K-State football. I admire Coach Snyder very much.

Are these guys brothers from another mother?

[Fairgame]

We don't pay attention to Texas or Kansas State or Kansas (using the next term very loosely) football

Who is this "we" you speak of?

[1972Shocker]

At least Texas lost to a D-1 team. Baylor lost to FCS Liberty at home 45-48.

While K-State ended up stomping Central Arkansas 55-19 I don't think Coach Snyder was very happy with his defense giving 421 yard of total offense to UCA.

[pogo]

To answer the original question...Yes Texas gets ranked purely on perception and potential lately. Much like some other basketball schools get ranked because they have always been good in the past and are expected to be good at present. But they don't necessarily live up to their ranking.

[shoxilla]

This

[Boss1786]

To answer the original question...Yes Texas gets ranked purely on perception and potential lately. Much like some other basketball schools get ranked because they have always been good in the past and are expected to be good at present. But they don't necessarily live up to their ranking.

A shining example where having the perceived top athletes does NOT always equal the best at handling pressure and wins!!!

[WuDrWu]

This

@shoxilla: what year do you think that's from, or is it photoshopped?

[WuDrWu]

To answer the original question...Yes Texas gets ranked purely on perception and potential lately. Much like some other basketball schools get ranked because they have always been good in the past and are expected to be good at present. But they don't necessarily live up to their ranking.

This is just my opinion (and I do realize I'm biased) but UT has SO much in resources....they get the pick of the kids and I think they've lost the edge they used to have, and frankly, they might be a little too picky when it comes to recruiting. I think Coach Strong had a really hard time overcoming feelings of entitlement amongst players that had literally everything.