Texas and #10 Oklahoma State will square off at 11:00 am on Saturday at Darrell K. Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium. Both teams bring 2-1 conference records into the matchup, and with a win today, one tam will have a leg up in the conference standings headed down the second half of the season.
The HornSports Staff gives their predictions on the outcome of the game.
Jameson McCausland
Texas just went through 2 physical games against Kansas State and Oklahoma, and they now they have to face another Top 5 offense in the country. I worry about Texas’ ability to cover the talent that the Cowboys will employ at the receiver position, specifically James Washington. The Longhorns have had too many coverage busts over the first 6 games and if it isn’t corrected then it may be a long day.
On Offense, I think that Sam Ehlinger is going to have another productive day. With Kyle Porter unlikely to play, there should be an increase in carries and touches for Toneil Carter. If Texas is able to establish some sort of running game, the Longhorns will have a chance. Unfortunately, I don’t see that happening. The offensive line is not playing well and it’s tough to see Texas being able to keep up with the high powered offense Mike Gundy will bring in.
Score Prediction: Oklahoma State 38, Texas 28
Daniel Seahorn
It’s going to be all hands on deck defensively as Todd Orlando’s bunch will be tasked with defending arguably the most explosive offense in a conference filled with high octane offenses.
Texas showed stretches last week against Oklahoma that they can slow down high flying offenses, but there continues to be mental busts and miscommunication in the secondary.
At the end of the day, I think Mason Rudolph and the weapon he has at his disposal will prove to once again be too much and the Texas offense won’t be able to keep pace.
Score Prediction: Oklahoma State 42, Texas 31
Harrison Wier
After facing the No. 1 offense in the country last weekend, the Texas defense has its hands full once again. Mason Rudolph and the No. 10 Oklahoma State Cowboys travel to Austin to continue their run for the Big 12 title, and Texas won’t change that.
Mason Rudolph is No. 2 & 3 in the country in total offense and passing efficiency respectively. With the current state of the Texas secondary, that statistic will only be boosted on Saturday. Todd Orlando has to find a way to get to Rudolph. If he can, Texas has a chance. If he can’t – things could get ugly. Sam Ehlinger can only do so much to keep Texas in games.
Speaking of Ehlinger, the Longhorns offense will face against an Oklahoma State defense that is No. 53 in the country in total defense. This comes a week after facing Oklahoma, who was rated lower in total defense. The Texas offense cannot get off to a slow start. Tom Herman has to find a way to incorporate a run game besides using Sam Ehlinger for 22 carries/game. That will not win games and just get the freshman hurt.
All in all, this could be a decent game. Texas needs to stay competitive, but they aren’t ready to take down a team like Oklahoma State.
Score Prediction: Oklahoma State 41, Texas 31
Aaron Carrara
Head coach Tom Herman has come come very close to the big win this season but fell short against USC and Oklahoma. OSU brings a Top-10 ranking into DKR today but I don’t expect the Longhorns to pull off the upset. Mason Rudolph and the Poke offense are just too prolific, and the Longhorns won’t be able to match them score for score.
This game is going to be decided by a touchdown or less and Herman will have to wait another couple of weeks to try and get the big win.
Score Prediction: Oklahoma State 44, Texas 42
