Staff Predictions: No. 1 Texas Longhorns vs UL-Monroe Warhawks

The top-ranked Texas Longhorns (3-0, 0-0 SEC) are set to host the UL-Monroe Warkawks (2-0, 0-0 Sun Belt) on Saturday at Darrell K. Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium. The Longhorns are coming off a 56-7 win over UTSA while the Warhawks enjoyed a bye week following their 32-6 victory over UAB on September 7th. The two programs will meet for the third time in history and the third at DKR, with Texas holding a 2-0 record against ULM.

Last week starting quarterback Quinn Ewers left the game with a minor injury and was replaced by Arch Manning, who accounted for five total touchdowns. Head coach Steve Sarksisian announced on Thursday that Manning would get the start in place of the injured Ewers against the Warhawks on Saturday. As we head into week four of play Texas appears to be running like a well-oiled machine on both sides of the ball.

Do the undefeated Warhawks pose a threat to the Longhorns, who are favored by more than six touchdowns in this contest? The HornSports staff shares their thoughts on how Saturday’s game plays out.

Jameson McCausland (3-0)

There is little reason for Texas to trot out Quinn Ewers against the Warhawks Saturday, so Arch Manning should get his first career start. ULM is 2-0 but the competition they’ve played has been highly suspect and they are in year 1 of a new coach coming off a 2-10 season in 2023.

On paper, ULM is probably worse than Colorado State and UTSA, and Texas barely broke a sweat against the latter two. The 44.5-point spread is a huge number and a cover will likely be dependent on how the Texas backups perform in the second half.

Score Prediction: Texas 52, ULM 7

Aaron Carrara (3-0)

ULM has not started their season 3-0 since 1987 and that statistic will remain true following their trip to Austin. Bluntly put, there is zero chance UL-Monroe marches into DKR and pulls off an upset win on Saturday. With Texas having their way with opponents on both sides of the ball, I expect the Longhorns to win big against the Warhawks.

Quinn Ewers will sit this one out as he recovers from last week’s injury, and Arch Manning will start his first career game. Expect Manning to continue where he left off last week, leading the offense to quite possibly their highest scoring affair of the season. A lot of players will see playing time against ULM, which will continue to cultivate the depth and experience Steve Sarkisian wants from this year’s team.

Score Prediction: Texas 60, ULM 6

Marc Henry (3-0)

Texas will host Louisiana Monroe in Austin, with Arch Manning making his first start as the Longhorns’ quarterback. Manning stepped in for Quinn Ewers, who was injured during Texas’ dominant 56-7 win over UTSA. Manning impressed with a touchdown pass and a 70-yard run for another score, showcasing his poise and athleticism.

Offensively, Texas has been strong, averaging 342 yards per game, including 173 yards on the ground. Their ability to maintain balance and keep the pressure on opponents has been a key to their success. On defense, Texas has been even more impressive, allowing just 6 points per game and creating turnovers with a fast, aggressive style of play.

Louisiana Monroe comes into the game 2-0, but their wins have come against Jackson State and UAB. While they are undefeated, the step up in competition against Texas will be significant. Texas should be able to flex their muscles and continue their dominant play, making this game a likely routine victory for the Longhorns.

Score Prediction: Texas 63, ULM 10

Devon Messinger (3-0)

After an impressive win against UTSA (considering all of the injuries), the top-ranked Longhorns will once again host a non-Power Four team. This time around, Arch Manning will be the starting quarterback with all of the expectations on his shoulders.

Despite this being Manning’s first career start, the Longhorns look primed to once again put up big numbers against a decent ULM Warhawks team. On Saturday, expect Manning to utilize an arsenal of wide receivers with health at running back still being a question mark. If Manning can stay efficient and away from the turnover column, things should be easy sailing for Steve Sarkisian’s squad.

Score Prediction: Texas 45, ULM 6

Dylan DeRaud (2-1)

Few teams can remain 45.5-point favorites with a backup QB, but Texas has entered that stratosphere with Arch Manning likely starting against Louisiana-Monroe. The key question is how open the playbook will be for Manning. He only threw 12 times against UTSA and wasn’t asked to do much. The Warhawks bring momentum from two wins and strong run defense. Texas must allow Manning to make plays with his arm to secure a comfortable win. 

Watch how Sarkisian calls plays. If Jaydon Blue can’t go, expect a heavy dose of Jerrick Gibson and Tre Wisner. This will be tested by ULM’s #21 ranked run defense, led by linebacker Carl Glass. Texas might start slower than in previous games but should gain momentum with quick passes to receivers Isiah Bond and Ryan Wingo. Expect Texas to be 4-0 heading into SEC play.

Score Prediction: Texas 45, ULM 6

Mitch Lovell (3-0)

Even with Arch Manning starting, the Texas offense will be too much for Louisana-Monroe. Manning had 5 touchdowns in 29 plays last week vs. UTSA and there’s no reason he should slow down. The Warhawks weren’t able to produce 300 yards against UAB in their last outing so I don’t expect them to score against an elite Texas Defense.

Score Prediction: Texas 62, ULM 0