SMU, Texas A&M in a tight race for No. 2 behind Longhorns

The race for the second-best college football team in Texas is heating up.

Texas A&M has ranked second in all of our Best in Texas polls so far this season and did it again this week. However, SMU is closing in on the Aggies.

The Aggies, fresh off an uninspiring 21-17 win over Arkansas at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, scored 81 points and four second-place votes in this week's poll.

SMU received 79 points and three second-place votes after a dominant 42-16 win over Florida State in the ACC opener.

Next week offers an opportunity for one of those teams to pull away, as the Aggies host No. 9 Missouri while SMU takes on No. 22 Louisville.

In this week's poll, Texas was unanimously No. 1 for the sixth straight year, securing all seven first-place votes after a 35-13 win over Mississippi State.

Texas Tech and TCU retained fourth and fifth place, respectively, after wins over Cincinnati and Kansas.

This week's full poll can be found below.

*First place votes in brackets.

This week's top panelists in Texas: Lia Assimakopoulos, Selby Lopez, Kevin Sherrington, Justin Apodaca, Sarah Smith, Brett Vito, Luke White.

1. Texas (5-0)

Arch Manning started for the second straight season in place of the injured Quinn Ewers and the Longhorns didn't miss a beat, defeating Mississippi State 35-13 in their SEC opener. The Longhorns enter the bye week undefeated before facing rival Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl on October 12th. – Selby Lopez

2. Texas A&M (4-1)

Texas A&M made its final rivalry game with Arkansas in Arlington a memorable one as the Aggies escaped with a 21-17 victory. However, the Aggies' offense hasn't looked great over the last two weeks and will need to step up when Missouri visits Kyle Field on Saturday. –Luke White

3. SMU (4-1)

SMU began its ACC era undefeated in conference play with a dominant 42-16 win over Florida State. It now leads all FBS schools with five non-offensive touchdowns following an 82-yard pick-six by Kobe Wilson. — Lia Assimakopoulos

4. Texas Tech (4-1)

Texas Tech is off to its best start under head coach Joey McGuire at 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the Big 12. After a perfect three game home run, the Red Raiders now go on the road to take on an extremely talented Arizona team. — Justin Apodaca

5. TCU (3-2)

TCU football is back above .500 after a decisive 38-27 win over Kansas. TCU kept Kansas' running game under control and got going with true freshman Jeremy Payne at the helm. –Sarah Smith

6. Sam Houston (4-1)

Sam Houston rallied from a 22-point deficit and Christian Pavon hit the game-winning field goal with six seconds left to help the Bearkats beat Texas State 40-39. Sam Houston has already improved his win total compared to last season. – Selby Lopez

7. Baylor (2-3)

Baylor had a spirited performance against No. 17 BYU, but couldn't overcome a three-touchdown deficit and lost 34-28 at home. The road doesn't get any easier for the Bears, who face No. 16 Iowa State on the road on Saturday.

8. Texas State (2-2)

After taking a 22-0 lead in the first quarter, Texas State suffered its second straight loss to Sam Houston, losing 40-39. The Bobcats will look to rebound on the road against Troy. – Selby Lopez

9. North Texas (4-1)

North Texas moved to 4-1 for the first time since 2018 with a 52-20 win over Tulsa in the American Athletic Conference opener behind Chandler Morris, who threw for 439 yards. The Mean Green now have a week off before traveling to Florida Atlantic. — Brett Vito

10.Houston (1-4)

The Cougars fell 20-0 to No. 18 Iowa State. Houston hasn't scored a point in the last eight quarters of football. — Justin Apodaca

11. UTSA (2-3)

UTSA lost to East Carolina 30-20 in the AAC opener. The Roadrunners will have a bye before facing Rice on October 12th. – Selby Lopez

12. UTEP (0-4)

UTEP emerges this week as the only team in the state winless on the season. Next up, the Miners host a 4-1 Sam Houston team on Thursday. – Selby Lopez

13. Rice (1-4)

Rice suffered its third straight loss, falling to Charlotte 21-20. The Owls have a bye before hosting UTSA on October 12th. – Selby Lopez

Previous polls

– September 23rd

– September 16th

– September 9th

– September 2nd

– August 27th

– Preseason QB poll

— Preseason Coaches Survey

Find more college sports coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.