Daniel Seahorn (3-5)
I’m going to keep this one relatively short, because I felt like this game was one that would trip this team up as they try to make a run at the Big 12 title. The Mountaineers possess an offense that can score points in bunches and after the Longhorn defense struggled last week in Stillwater, WVU QB Will Grier has to be licking his chops.
If the Longhorns come out and play like they did at the start of the OSU game then it could be a really long day at DKR. I think both teams will get their fair share of points on Saturday, but I don’t think the Longhorn defense will get enough stops and I’m not confident enough to pick them after last week.
Prediction: West Virginia 38, Texas 31
Jameson McCausland (5-3)
There are now enough data points in the season to conclude that Texas is a team that plays to the level of their competition. This means the Longhorns should come out with a focus and energy that was absent in Stillwater last weekend.
West Virginia is a very beatable team. Iowa State proved that Will Grier can be shut down, and the Mountaineers defense isn’t anything special. The key for Texas will be shoring up any defensive issues and allowing the Texas offense to find their groove and put points on the board, because they will.
I expect an improved performance from the Texas defense and I believe Sam Ehlinger will deliver another solid performance to help keep Texas atop of the Big 12 standings.
Prediction: Texas 31, West Virginia 24
Aaron Carrara (6-2)
Texas lost a close one to Oklahoma State on the road last week, but they are back home this weekend to face West Virginia. The Longhorns are 4-0 at home this season but the Mountaineers are 3-1 all-time at DKR. Oklahoma State’s offense torched UT’s defense, and unfortunately for Texas, West Virginia’s offensive attack is much better. I’m not certain Texas’ defense can contain Will Grier and the rushing attack of WVU; they had their share of troubles against Taylor Cornelius and the Pokes last week. Texas has a definite home-field advantage, but with Ehlinger still nursing a banged-up shoulder I don’t expect the Longhorns to be able to match the Mountaineers in scoring.
Prediction: West Virginia 41, Texas 38
Harrison Wier (3-5)
Texas is a team that plays to its competition. That was displayed for all to see first hand last weekend, as the Longhorns came out completely flat against Oklahoma State and had to play catch up the entire second half. This cannot happen against West Virginia. If Texas wants to win this game, they have to be ready to compete from the time the first whistle blows.
Unfortunately, I do not believe the Texas defense will be up to the task of stopping Will Grier and the West Virginia offense. There are too many weapons at Grier’s disposal, and the Texas secondary has shown a consistent ability to blow assignments. I believe the Texas offense will keep the Longhorns in the game, but the defense will fail to hold one too many times.
Prediction: West Virginia 38, Texas 34
Nick Harris (0-1)
What is most important for the Longhorns this week is that their defense rebounds from the tough showing that they had in Stillwater a week ago. If the defense stays consistent to that poor effort, Will Grier and the Mountaineer offense will have their way all afternoon and at that point, no offense in the country would be able to keep up with them.
However, I do expect the Longhorn defense to have a better performance while the Longhorn offense continues to stay up to their high standard that they have set throughout the season. I’m still expecting a shootout, but I expect it to be one that the Longhorns can compete in.
Prediction: Texas 45, West Virginia 41
