In opening weekend, Texas coaching triangle keeps fans happy

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Across the East Texas triangle that connects Austin, College Station and Houston, most everybody is happy with their favorite team's college football coach after the first weekend of the season.

Tom Herman has Houston Cougars fans thinking College Football Playoff.

Charlie Strong gave Texas Longhorns supporters not just a "signature" victory against No. 10 Notre Dame — his words — but an offense and a quarterback that finally look as if they can compete in the Big 12.

Sure, maybe Texas A&M followers left Kyle Field a little frustrated that the Aggies blew a fourth-quarter lead, but a win against a ranked team in overtime is no reason to raise the heat on coach Kevin Sumlin's seat.

[...] is college football in the Lone Star State this year: an almost weekly referendum on the coaches at Texas and Texas A&M, while the sports' current boy genius roams the sideline for a non-Power Five school that has a chance to become the story of the season.

Two coaches facing pivotal seasons and their possible replacement within reasonable driving distance.

"Everybody knows this year's different," said senior quarterback Tyrone Swoopes, who scored three touchdowns, including the winner, in his new role as short-yardage quarterback.

"What I have noticed about him is he's got an incredible ability to relate to 18-22 young men and push them harder than I think they've ever been pushed before and at the same time, give them a lot of love," Houston athletic director Hunter Yurachek.