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Maryland Football: Texas is getting a ton of love nationally

By Chris Bengel

AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 12: Devin Duvernay #2 of the Texas Longhorns runs around Justin Arndt #30 of the West Virginia Mountaineers at Darrell K Royal -Texas Memorial Stadium on November 12, 2016 in Austin. Texas. (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 12: Devin Duvernay #2 of the Texas Longhorns runs around Justin Arndt #30 of the West Virginia Mountaineers at Darrell K Royal -Texas Memorial Stadium on November 12, 2016 in Austin. Texas. (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images) /
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The Maryland football team hits the road to open the 2017 season as the Terrapins face Texas.

Despite a few mediocre years under Charlie Strong, the Longhorns are getting a ton of respect from the national media this summer.

On Monday, the Associated Press Top 25 poll was released and Texas was one of five Big 12 teams to be listed to be included in the preseason forecast. The Longhorns came in at No. 23 in the poll despite going 5-7 in 2016.

In addition, Sports Illustrated put out their preseason power rankings on Tuesday. Texas made that list as well as they were given similar respect at No. 24. The following is an excerpt is from Sports Illustrated’s explanation of Texas’ standing in the rankings.

"“Why they will make it to the playoff: A veteran-laden team under a new voice like Tom Herman could make things very interesting in a Big 12 where anyone can beat anyone.”"

Former Houston coach Tom Herman was brought in during the offseason and was easily the biggest coaching hire in college football. Herman put together a 22-4 record during three seasons with the Cougars, including a pair of bowl appearances.

Texas has had a history of being among college football’s elite teams, especially in the early 2000s. Vince Young led the Longhorns to a national title back in 2005 when Texas dethroned Matt Leinart and USC.

Despite all of the love for Texas, Herman doesn’t exactly echo the media’s sentiments about his team.

"“No. We’re a 5-7 team. You are what your record says you are. We haven’t played a game yet. We’ll pay attention to those as we head down the stretch, but right now it’s just a bunch of people guessing, right?” Quote from InsideTexas.com"

Texas certainly has the potential to be one of the sleeper teams in the Big 12 considering the amount of talent that the team has returning.

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Maryland definitely is going to have their work cut out for them in the season opener. If the Longhorns live up to the offseason hype, this game is going to be an interesting one.

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