Texas Tech, Longhorns Drop in AP Polls After Recent Games

Texas Tech dropped to No. 14 in the AP Poll and No. 15 in the Coaches Poll following a 26-22 loss to Arizona State, holding a 6-1 overall record and preparing for a key home game against Oklahoma State. The Texas Longhorns, initially preseason favorites, have experienced a turbulent season, falling out of the rankings after an upset loss but re-entering at No. 22 in the AP Poll and No. 18 in the Coaches Poll after a narrow 16-13 overtime win over Kentucky. Despite their victory, the Longhorns' offense struggled significantly, producing just 179 total yards and facing criticism for underwhelming performances and self-inflicted mistakes, while their defense played a critical role in securing the win. Texas State's recent games have been marked by missed opportunities and close losses, including a game against Marshall where defensive efforts were strong but offensive errors and dropped passes proved costly. SEC teams continue to dominate the polls, with nine programs including Texas A&M, Alabama, Georgia, and others maintaining top-25 status, highlighting the competitive landscape Texas and Texas Tech face in conference play. Both Texas and Texas Tech aim to improve their rankings and performances in upcoming matchups to reclaim higher standings amid a challenging season.