Concerns about University of Texas - Austin

[Sloosh]

The University of Texas at Austin has offered me a TAship and seems like an attractive program. However, from talking to various professors and looking at their website, they apparently have been getting weak placements, especially considering that UT is typically ranked in the 15-25 range. Does anyone have any advice on how much this fault is significant? Some professors at Texas were optimistic about placements in future years.
Also, how stable is UT's faculty? Are they in danger of significant losses in a particular field?
Incidentally, I am interested in macro, but I could easily see myself becoming interested in another field. I have also been admitted to Duke with a tuition waiver.

[macroeconomicus]

Texas is not typically ranked at top 20 department. Near 25 is more like it. Therefore, its placements have been commensurate with the rank.