Latest CFP prediction results in heartbreak for Texas football and Sark

Texas' impressive win over previously undefeated Texas A&M has given the Longhorns new life in the College Football Playoff. With three losses, Texas remains a long shot to gain entry into the 12-team bracket, but there is a chance.

Longhorn fans should be very interested in what happens this weekend in the championship games, but Tuesday's rankings will tell some of the story and if Andy Staples' predicted bracket is correct, Texas will need an inside straight to make the CFP.

Where is Texas at in the CFP rankings?

Heading into Tuesday night's penultimate rankings, Texas is 16th in the most recent CFP rankings. The Longhorns were 14th in Sunday's AP poll, which takes Friday's win over the Aggies into account. 

For Texas to have any chance at being considered for the 12-team bracket, the Longhorns would probably have to be inside the top 15. Although Texas has three losses, the strength of the Longhorns' schedule and the fact that they played No. 1 Ohio State on the road will be considered.

Unfortunately, a bad loss to 4-8 Florida will also be taken into consideration. Both Texas and Miami played Florida this season and the Hurricanes beat the Gators, 26-7 at home. If it comes down to those two schools for a final at-large spot, that common opponent might come into play. 

Oddsmakers don't give Texas much hope

If the odds at FanDuel are any indication, Texas is going to be on the outside looking in. Currently, the Longhorns are +2500 to make the playoffs. It's such a long shot that the odds of Texas not making the playoffs aren't even on the board.

Texas needs a lot of things to happen Saturday. Texas Tech has to beat BYU and give the Cougars a second loss. Georgia has to beat Alabama and give the Crimson Tide a third loss and Duke has to win the ACC title game, which could eliminate that conference altogether.

The Longhorns are going to be compared with two-loss teams and BYU probably has the weakest resume of that group with a poor non-conference slate and just one win against a ranked opponent (Utah).