Week 6 is in the rear-view mirror and that means that most of the 47 programs in Texas are at or past the halfway mark of the regular season. Only five of the 47 college football programs in Texas have more games remaining on the regular season schedule than games played. All five of those are at the FBS level. The Texas 47 places each of our 47 college football programs into one of six tiers that start at national contender and end in the basement. 

National contenders

Angelo State (6-0) - The Rams dominated another LSC opponent, but a sneaky tough trip to Silver City, N.M., against an improved Western New Mexico team awaits Angelo State this weekend

Mary Hardin-Baylor (5-1) - Ball security will be a major talking point this week after the Cru offense fumbled the ball five times.

Trinity (5-0) - The Tigers offense hasn’t had any trouble moving the ball down the field this year but has struggled to convert on third down at times. 

Conference contenders

UTSA (4-2) - Jeff Traylor's program is 2-0 in Conference USA play with wins over contenders Western Kentucky and MIddle Tennessee State. Frank Harris is the most productive quarterback in Texas at the FBS level through Week 6. 

TCU (5-0) - Sonny Dykes coached teams are now a combined 26-2 in the months of September and October following TCU's win over Kansas in Week 6. 

Texas (4-2) - The return of quarterback Quinn Ewers gives Texas the ability to make a run at the Big 12 championship. 

UIW (5-1) - The Cardinals have renewed life and now control their fate for the Southland title and an automatic playoff berth, which seemed unlikely two weeks ago.

Stephen F. Austin (3-3) - The ‘Jacks pulled out a near magical win behind Xavier Gipson’s return of a missed field goal and Chris Campos’ 51-yard game-winning field goal as time expired.

Prairie View A&M (3-3) - The Panthers must win their remaining SWAC games to have a shot at the conference title game after last week’s disappointing outcome.

Hardin-Simmons (4-1) - The argument is already beginning on a national level about whether the Cowboys should earn an at-large bid to the playoffs. HSU must dominate every remaining opponent on its schedule.

Texas A&M-Kingsville (6-0) - The Javelinas are beginning the meat grinder known as the LSC schedule. They survived against Western New Mexico, but Angelo State and Central Washington are looming.

Texas Wesleyan (5-1) - The Rams can insert themselves in the Sooner Athletic Conference title race with a win over Langston this week.

Trinity Valley (4-1) - TVCC sits atop the SWJCFC standings. Remaining at the top will be a challenge with Navarro, Kilgore, and New Mexico Military Institute over the next three weeks.

Stock rising

Rice (3-2) - The Owls were idle in Week 6. 

Texas A&M-Commerce (3-2) - Talk about a surprise, the Lions defeated the preseason Southland favorite on its home field. Another tough trip awaits this week against McNeese.

Tarleton (4-1) - The Texans made a big statement with a solid road win over Southern Utah. Tarleton travels to meet an SFA squad that has won 12 games in a row at home.

West Texas A&M (4-2) - WT put together its best performance against rival MSU last week to keep its playoff hopes alive. A showdown at home with Central Washington is looming in two weeks.

Texas Lutheran (2-3) -.It will be difficult for the Bulldogs to extend their winning streak to three games when UMHB visits Seguin this week.

Sul Ross State (2-4) - SRSU held a lead against Hardin-Simmons with 12:48 left in the second quarter. They aren’t on the Cowboys level yet, but they are quickly ascending the ranks of the ASC.

Tyler (3-2) - The Apaches win over No. 1 New Mexico Military Institute sends the SWJCFC into a state of chaos, which was bound to happen at some point this season.

Cisco (3-3) - The only way to rise out of the basement is to win a conference game, and the Wranglers pulled out a 7-6 win over Northeastern Oklahoma A&M.

Steady

Baylor (3-2) - Baylor is still one of the best teams in the Big 12, but are the Bears capable of running the table? 

Texas Tech (3-3) - An 0-3 road record looks bad but those losses were to Kansas State, Oklahoma State, and N.C. State. 

North Texas (3-3) - A bowl game is once again within reach for the Mean Green. 

Texas A&M (3-3) - A four-point loss to Alabama was a moral victory, but Jimbo Fisher is paid too well to feel good about any loss. 

Houston (3-3) - A late comeback led by quarterback Clayton Tune saved the Cougars from a stressful bye week filled with questions about Dana Holgorsen's future. 

Texas State (3-3) - A 12-point win over App State puts the Bobcats on the path to a bowl berth and provides Jake Spavital with his biggest win as a head coach. 

Texas Southern (2-4) - TSU can throw a wrench into the SWAC West Division standings with a road win over Alcorn following a bye week.

Houston Christian (2-3) - HCU nearly pulled off its first win over Nicholls since 2014. The Huskies are a young team that is building toward success, reminiscent of the Bailey Zappe days.

Sam Houston (2-2) - The Bearkats will be competitive in every game, but their focus is beginning to turn to the 2023 season and beyond.

Abilene Christian (4-2) - Don’t count the Wildcats out of the WAC title race. However, ACU needs to move past an excruciating loss to SFA and prepare for a solid Southern Utah team this week.

Howard Payne (5-1) - The Yellow Jackets need to remain focused against Southwestern this week before entering the toughest part of their schedule.

East Texas Baptist (2-3) - Don’t count the Tigers out this week against Hardin-Simmons. ETBU is dangerous enough to pull off the upset if they win the turnover battle.

Southwestern (2-3) - The bye week came at a perfect time for the Pirates, who have two big games against Howard Payne and Hardin-Simmons on tap for the next two weeks.

SAGU (2-3) - This defense is one of the best in the SAC and will lead the Lions during their next four games, where they will be favored to win.

Kilgore (3-2) - The Rangers currently sit outside of the SWJCFC playoffs but are capable of running the table and possibly finishing atop the conference.

Navarro (4-2) - A four-game winning streak is on the line for the Bulldogs this week when they host Trinity Valley, who sits atop the conference standings.

Stock falling

UTEP (3-4) - The Week 0 game caught up to the Miners, who looked fatigued in the loss to La Tech. A bowl game is now an uphill climb. 

SMU (2-3) - The Mustangs are on a three-game losing streak entering the Friday night matchup with Navy. 

Midwestern State (3-3) - Inconsistency and a lack of execution have plagued the Mustangs all season. A road trip to the Great Northwest against Central Washington may be what they need to come together.

UTPB (3-3) - The Falcons have also been inconsistent throughout the season and needed overtime to win at home against Simon Fraser.

Wayland Baptist (2-4) - WBU needs a win over Louisiana Christian this week to build momentum before a brutal three-game stretch to close the season.

Blinn (3-4) - The Buccaneers have been competitive in every game, but struggles during the second half of games have led to a three-game losing streak.

Basement

Lamar (0-6) - A bye this week may be exactly what the Cardinals need to turn their season around. Home games against PVAMU and Nicholls are next.

McMurry (0-6) - The War Hawks have leaned on their defense to remain competitive in games, and that defense will be the key to a win against Austin College this week.

Austin College (0-5) - The flexbone attack of the Kangaroos could present problems for McMurry this week in a game where both teams need a victory.

Texas College (0-6) - The Steers best remaining chance for a win this season is on the road against Lyon College this week.