Texas hosts UTEP this weekend and needs a strong performance after jumping from non-ranked to No. 11 in the AP polls.
The Longhorns stunned the Irish last weekend in double overtime, winning 50-47. Freshman Shane Buechele started for the Longhorns, marking the first time a freshman started at quarterback for Texas since 1944. Buechele split time with senior Tyrone Swoopes, and the two finished with a total of six touchdowns. Swoopes rushed for three, and Buechele threw for two and rushed for one. D’Onta Foreman finished with 131 yards, leading the running game for the Longhorns, along with one touchdown. John Burt finished with the most receiving yards, 111 yards on six receptions, with one touchdown, but former quarterback Jerrod Heard proved himself as a worthy wide receiver as well. Heard finished with 73 yards receiving, including a 68-yard reception.
UTEP travels to Austin after beating New Mexico State in the first weekend of games. The Miners scored 38 points while holding New Mexico State to only 22. UTEP’s junior quarterback Zack Greenlee scored three touchdowns and redshirt-junior Aaron Jones rushed for two. UTEP finished with 518 total yards on offense and held New Mexico State to only 345 yards.
The Longhorns might have proved they are on their way back to the top; however, Texas jumping from non-ranked to No. 11 in the AP polls might have been a little too much. A statement win against UTEP is needed for the Longhorns to show they deserve that No. 11 spot. Sometimes Texas plays to the level of their competition, and that can’t happen this weekend.
Texas owns a 4-0 all-time record against UTEP, and a win on Saturday would mark Charlie Strong’s 50th career coaching win. He is 12-14 at Texas but 49-30 overall.
Kickoff is set for 6:05 CT.
