GAME DAY: No. 13 Texas Longhorns versus No. 18 Michigan

The Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in Orlando sets up an intriguing New Year’s Eve showdown as No. 13 Texas (9-3) meets No. 18 Michigan (9-3), with both bluebloods trying to cap turbulent seasons with a statement win. Texas arrives disappointed after missing a third straight College Football Playoff, but the Longhorns surged in the closing games of their schedule. The season resume includes three AP Top 10 wins and a dominant rivalry victory over Texas A&M.

Michigan enters having won five of its last six before a deflating loss to Ohio State and a late-year coaching shakeup. Things to watch in this year’s Citrus Bowl include how a shorthanded but still talented Longhorn defense holds up after multiple NFL Draft and transfer portal opt-outs, whether Michigan’s physical ground game and emerging freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood can control tempo, and if Texas’ edge in turnover margin and red-zone efficiency can tilt a game projected as a touchdown spread into a comfortable finish or a nail-biter in the final minutes.

Relevant Information