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Herman questions Texas' top-25 ranking: 'We are a 5-7 team'

Kevin Jairaj / USA TODAY Sports

The microscope on Tom Herman at Texas this season will be as intense as any in the country, especially after the Longhorns were ranked 23rd in the Associated Press' preseason poll.

That ranking led the team's new coach to try to temper expectations on Monday.

"I don't know why we're ranked in the top 25. I hope it's not because of me," Herman said on a conference call, per Chuck Carlton of the Dallas Morning News. "We are a 5-7 team."

Not only was Texas a 5-7 team last season, but they were 5-7 the year before as well. Across Charlie Strong's three years as head coach, the Longhorns went 16-21 with just one appearance in a bowl game.

Herman's only been a head coach for two seasons, but he turned Houston into a dominant outfit while posting a 22-4 record and a surprising 2015 Peach Bowl win over Florida State.

He was brought over to Austin in the offseason for more than $5.25 million per year, and the Longhorns faithful will certainly expect a quick turnaround for the once-dominant Big 12 outfit.

Texas opens the season Saturday against Maryland.

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