Photo: Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman via USA TODAY NETWORK
The season opener for the #11 Texas Longhorns is finally here. Steve Sarkisian’s third year at the helm in Austin brings a lot of excitement for fans, along with great expectations for a team that possesses tremendous talent. After finishing 8-5 and third in the Big 12 last season, the Longhorns are favored to win the conference this year and have their sights set on a spot in the College Football Playoffs. Quarterback Quinn Ewers returns, along with all five starters on the offensive line, and newcomers AD Mitchell (WR) and CJ Baxter (RB) add big play possibility to an already stout Texas offense. Defensively, the losses of Keondre Coburn (DL), Anthony Cook (DB), Demarvion Overshown (LB) and D’Shawn Jamison sting, but Pete Kwiatkowski’s unit returns veteran players Jaylon Ford and Byron Murphy among others. The addition of guys like Anthony Hill (LB), Jalen Catalon (DB) and Liona Lefau (LB) add a boost to a solid defense that finished 28th nationally last season.
The Longhorns are favored by 35 points against the Rice Owls, but it is important the team doesn’t get caught looking ahead to their matchup with the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa next week. Sarkisian said on Thursday that it was likely a lot of freshmen would see playing time, which gives guys an opportunity early in the season to begin acclimating to the speed of the game. Rice quarterback JT Daniels is very capable but he doesn’t have many playmakers around him to do a lot of damage to the Texas defense. There is still a big game to be played against the Owls – the Longhorns need a win to start things off on the right foot. Heading into next week’s game against Alabama with a 1-0 record and team health is paramount.
What: #11 Texas Longhorns vs. Rice Owls
When: Saturday, September 2, 2023
Time: 2:30 PM
Location: Austin, TX
Venue: Darrell K. Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium
TV: FOX
Spread: Texas -35
All Time-Record: Texas leads Rice 74-21-1
Last Meeting: Texas defeated Rice 58-0 (9/18/2021 – Austin, TX)
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