The Texas Longhorns (2-0, 0-0 Big 12) leaped seven spots to No. 4 in this week’s Associated Press Top-25 Poll following their upset win over Alabama in Tuscaloosa. This Saturday Steve Sarkisian and his team have the task of continuing their winning ways against the Wyoming Cowboys (2-0, 0-0 Mountain West), who knocked off Texas Tech in week one.
The two teams haven’t met since the 2010 season, which was the last time the Longhorns were ranked in the Top-5 nationally.
Historically, the Cowboys have yet to knock off the Longhorns on the gridiron. Saturday marks the sixth game between them and Wyoming needs a big upset to maintain its perfect record early in the season and pull off a monumental upset.
Will Texas suffer a letdown after an emotional win in Tuscaloosa? Can Wyoming hang with the Longhorns four four quarters?
Our staff shares their game thoughts and score predictions on Saturday’s home game at Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium between the Texas and Wyoming.
Jameson McCausland (1-1)
Wyoming presents an interesting matchup for Texas, especially coming off an emotional game in Tuscaloosa. The Cowboys do have a win over Texas Tech under their belt and play a physical brand of football. Their defense features several Big 12 quality players in the front 7 and it would not be surprising if it took the Texas offense a little while to get going.
Wyoming does have some questions offensively. QB Andrew Peasley is tough as nails but is limited as a passer and left last week’s game against Portland State with what looked like a minor shoulder injury. All indications are that he will play against Texas, but it’s tough to envision Wyoming generating enough offense to make this a game for 4 quarters.
It might take Texas a quarter or so to fully come back to earth following last week, but they should take care of business.
Score Prediction: Texas 38, Wyoming 7
Aaron Carrara (2-0)
The Longhorns win this game but it is yet another litmus test for the program. They won decisively in Tuscaloosa and executed as well as anyone could ask for in all facets of the game. This week all eyes will be watching to see the team’s response to Wyoming. Will they come out flat after a big win? The mental composure, especially to start the game, is something to keep an eye on.
On the field, the Texas defense looked dominant last week against the Tide. This week they will have the task of holding Cowboys quarterback Andrew Peasley in check. Peasley is a capable competitor and leads a balanced offensive attack that averages 170 yards on the ground and 175 yards passing per game.
With the status of starting running back CJ Baxter in question following the injury in last week’s game, Sark will likely rely on Jonathan Brooks, Jaydon Blue and Keilan Robinson to lead the ground game this week. Texas averages 135 yards per game on the ground, by committee, but it would be a nice touch to see someone surpass the century mark individually this week. I think it happens.
Score Prediction: Texas 42, Wyoming 13
Todd Glawson (1-1)
Texas’ landmark victory in Tuscaloosa was a giant, collective exhale for Longhorns everywhere. Whether it was snapping Alabama’s 21-game home winning streak or achieving arguably the biggest road win since “The Game of the Century” in 1969 by defeating Arkansas, it was a night filled with moments that have been few and far between for the burnt orange in well over a decade. However, I’m of the belief the sweetest moment of all manifested at the beginning of the 4th quarter when Texas briefly lost their lead at 16-13. Something that would usually crush Texas’ spirit turned into an odd tranquility on the sideline that led to an 11-point swing to put the Tide away. Who were those guys!? Sark and his players grew up together in a massive way on Saturday night, and now we’ll see if those lessons can carry over with a perfect “trap game” scenario teed up as the Wyoming Cowboys head to DKR for the first time since 2012. Nothing on paper suggests they should be able to keep pace with the good guys – as is evidenced by the 28.5-point spread – but it’s imperative that their mindset remains keeping the main thing the main thing and tuning out the sudden onslaught of media love. Texas holds a 5-0 all-time advantage over Wyoming, and I expect that to improve to 6-0 even if there are early struggles.
Score Prediction: Texas 42, Wyoming 13
Devon Messinger (1-1)
After a big win on the road against Alabama, the Longhorns will return home for their last non-conference game of the season, this time against a Wyoming team that beat Texas Tech in week one. For Texas, the key to the game will be maintaining a championship-level mentality and avoiding the lulls that have plagued the Longhorns in the past.
On the Wyoming sidelines, gunslinger Andrew Peasley is a dual-threat quarterback who will have to prove to the Longhorns that he has the ability to beat them through the air. Despite his athletic nature, the Longhorns should be well prepared for Peasley given the fact that last week’s opposing quarterback, Jalen Milroe, was a bigger threat with his legs.
For Texas, I will be curious to see how the running game can perform after a relatively slow start to the season. Wyoming’s run defense has been solid thus far, with the defensive front coached by former-Texas assistant Oscar Giles, but they have also not faced a team with as much depth as the Longhorns. Additionally, with Longhorns freshman running back CJ Baxter battling various injuries these last two weeks, I would not be surprised if Jonathan Brooks and Jaydon Blue received the lion’s share of the carries this week before their Big 12 Conference opener.
See Devon’s pick in video format
Score Prediction: Texas 38, Wyoming 10
Marc Henry (0-1)
The Longhorns are coming off a statement win after beating the Alabama Crimson Tide 34-24 in Tuscaloosa. They are facing a Wyoming Cowboy squad looking to invade Austin and shake up the momentum that Texas has built starting the season 2-0.
Wyoming comes to the forty-acres with a balanced offensive attack, averaging 170 yards rushing per game and 175 yards through the air. The Longhorns defensively, have been stout against the run, controlling the line of scrimmage only giving up just under 70 yards in the two games they have played this season. Burke, Sweat, Murphy II, Collins and Sorrell, have been a disruptive force up front through two games. Jaylan Ford’s veteran presence at linebacker, combined with the emergence of Anthony Hill Jr., has allowed the Texas defense to pin their ears back and load up pressure on critical downs during this two game stretch. Against Wyoming, look for the Longhorns front seven to turn up the heat in Austin Saturday night on Cowboys quarterback Andrew Peasley after his three touchdown performance against Portland State last weekend. Look for the Texas D to “Release The Krakken” and make things difficult for the Cowboys at they head to Austin this weekend.
Score Prediction: Texas 34, Wyoming 10
Ryan Swantkowski (2-0)
“Wow” is the word I would use to describe the Longhorn game last Saturday. Defensively, offensively, special teams-wise, just wow. But that game is in the past. The ‘Horns I believe have a tougher task than most people think with Wyoming coming into Austin this weekend. They are 2-0, beat Texas Tech, and have not given up 100 yards on the ground this season. The Cowboys are a solid team, and if Texas takes them lightly, there can be some problems. That being said, I think Texas keeps the momentum rolling and gets the job done, but don’t be surprised if this game is closer than you think – especially going into halftime.
Score Prediction: Texas 41, Wyoming 17
Mitch Lovell (1-1)
I’m officially done doubting this team after the performance last weekend at Alabama. It’s a classic letdown spot this week vs. Wyoming but the crowd will be the best DKR has had in a while. Wyoming beating Texas Tech in Week 1 will make the Longhorns not overlook Wyoming as well. Ewers and the offense will continue to score in bunches and the defense will continue to flash.
Score Prediction: Texas 45, Wyoming 10
Dylan DeRaud (1-1)
This game between the Wyoming Cowboys and Texas Longhorns will be a tale of two sides. On one hand, Wyoming will need to play their best brand of football, which includes designed QB runs, opening up lanes for their running backs, and slowing down Texas’s rushing attack. On the other hand, Texas must execute their game plan and take the Cowboys seriously. A significant part of Wyoming’s upset over Texas Tech stemmed from the Red Raiders letting off the gas pedal in the second quarter, which allowed Wyoming back into the game. Therefore, it will be crucial for Texas, coming off a program-changing win over Alabama, to start strong and continue pouring on the points.
Wyoming’s vulnerability against the pass is evident as they are currently ranked 96th in the country in pass yards allowed per game. This presents an excellent opportunity for Quinn Ewers and the receiving corps to rack up yards and air the ball out.
See Dylan’s pick in video format
Score Prediction: Texas 40, Wyoming 10
