Our Texas vs. Rice Prediction

Texas fans have waited, agonized over and relived the tragedy that last season was since the game clock hit zero in the 24-17 loss to the Aggies last November.  The Longhorns finished 2010 with a losing record and were not invited to a bowl game for the first time since 1997.  That scenario does not happen often at Texas, if not at all.

Tonight those same Longhorns, led by junior quarterback Garrett Gilbert take on the Rice Owls at DKR Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin at 7:00 pm.  The Longhorns look for redemption in more ways than one, particularly in the form of positive play from Gilbert.  Gilbert had a horrendous season last year, throwing just 10 touchdowns to 17 interceptions.  Considering Texas struggled with the running game also, Gilbert was forced to throw more times than not.

The Rice Owls bring to Austin a squad that finished the 2010 season 4-8 which included a 34-17 loss to Texas at Reliant Stadium.  Rice running back Sam McGuffie outrushed all Texas rushers last year with a total of 883 yards.  The Texas offensive line will be under the microscope tonight and the running game led by Fozzy Whitaker and Malcolm Brown should produce big dividends.  If Gilbert struggles early in this game it should not surprise fans if Case McCoy comes in to replace to junior qb.  The eyes of Texas will also be on the revamped Manny Diaz Texas defense, which gave up a ton of points and many big plays last season.

Our Prediction: Texas – 45, Rice – 24