The Texas Longhorns proved to be one of the nation's elite programs in 2023, reaching the College Football Playoff and nearly making the national title game. Despite falling short, expectations are for Texas to again be in the mix for the Playoff. Quarterback Quinn Ewers headlines the Longhorns entering 2024.
Texas is also looking to make a name for itself in its first season in the SEC. Big games loom throughout Texas' schedule, so can Ewers and head coach Steve Sarkisian either outright win the SEC?
Texas Longhorns 2024 Schedule Prediction
Week 1: vs. Colorado State
Texas can't just sleepwalk in Week 1, as Colorado State has some feistiness to it, but this also won't be close by the end of regulation. Texas has too much power in the trenches for lower-tier teams, and their pure speed at receiver is the cherry on top. Still, watch to see whether star Colorado State WR Tory Horton can make any big plays.
Prediction : Win
Week 2: at Michigan
Ah, here's the one everyone wants to see. Texas visits the Big House and Michigan, and it'll be a tension-filled stadium on the heels of what was almost the title game in January. I think Texas would've beaten Michigan then, and I certainly think they have the upper-hand here, even if Michigan's defensive line will give Ewers hell.
Prediction : Win
Week 3: vs. UTSA
Having an early bye would be nice, but Texas hosts a Saturday evening game after facing Michigan. This will be a comfortable win. The bigger storyline is this isn't a potential sleeper game, as a noon kickoff can lead to a slow start.
Prediction : Win
Week 4: vs. ULM
This will be another snoozer of a win before the schedule ramps up in the coming weeks. This night game won't have much risk for Texas, and I'd expect we'll get a healthy dosage of Arch Manning here.
Prediction : Win
Week 5: vs. Mississippi State
The first SEC matchup for Texas is a favorable one. This afternoon's home game is one against a team of newly brought in transfers for Mississippi State. Jeff Lebby is a good coach but the Bulldogs will get bullied and likely exposed for not having the chemistry needed to threaten Texas.
Prediction : Win
Week 7: at Oklahoma
Alright, Red River Rivalry time! We know Ewers and company will be chomping at the bit to get vengeance for their 2023 34-30 loss. With Dillon Gabriel now in Oregon and the Sooners young and vulnerable, this feels like a game Texas might be overvalued in. But don't forget that Jackson Arnold and Nic Anderson are explosive, and the Sooners brought a ton of experience back to the defense.
Texas will win this, but it'll be as close as last year's affair. The bye week before will be the determining factor.
Prediction : Win
Week 8: vs. Georgia
The emotional fortitude of Texas will be tested as much as their physical abilities in this two-game stretch. It helps Texas hosts Georgia in Week 8, but the Bulldogs are the more physical team in this matchup. I expect the Longhorns to drop its first game of the season as the Bulldogs cave the pocket around Ewers and force turnovers.
Prediction : Loss
Week 9: at Vanderbilt
Getting away from home after a loss will be a good thing, and the ensuing bye week is even better. Texas will embarrass Vandy in Nashville.
Prediction : Win
Week 11: vs. Florida
I expect, maybe foolishly, for Florida to be a relative mess this fall. Getting them in November is great for Texas. Billy Napier might be coaching for his job with this matchup, and there's no way I'd pick Florida on the road to win against a more talented team.
Prediction : Win
Week 12: at Arkansas
The rushing backfield combination of Taylen Green and Ja'Quinden Jackson is interesting but not enough for Arkansas to be more than a pestering presence. The Razorbacks should have a competitive defense with playmaking and length, but Texas can overcome that with speed. I don't think this will be closer than a grinding win.
Prediction : Win
Week 13: vs. Kentucky
Kentucky is more problematic than most other SEC teams. They're fast and upcoming as a program, and they have several top-100 NFL draft picks in coming years. Texas will play with its food a bit too much here and get caught up in a close, uncomfortable game. But, a win is a win.
Prediction : Win
Week 14: at Texas A&M
We have to predict some carnage at some point. The return of The Lone Star Showdown will bring pain to one of these proud Texas programs. Both teams have excellent trench talent and playmaking at QB. If Conner Weigman is healthy, I think the Aggies steal this rivalry game.
Prediction : Loss
Season Prediction: 11-2, CFP At-Large Bid
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