Staff Predictions: No. 1 Texas versus UTSA

No. 1 Texas returns to DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday night looking to close nonconference play unbeaten when UTSA makes the short trip north on I-35. The Longhorns and Roadrunners have met twice, with Texas owning a 2-0 series advantage following a 41-20 win in Austin in 2022 and a 56-7 victory in 2024. This one arrives with more weight than the record book might suggest: Texas is 2-0 and coming off a dramatic comeback win over Ohio State, while a road date at No. 15 Tennessee waits on the other side. The immediate task for Steve Sarkisian’s group is avoiding the natural temptation to look ahead against an in-state opponent that has already shown it can handle pressure.

UTSA enters Austin unbeaten as well, carrying a 2-0 mark built on a season-opening win over UT Rio Grande Valley and a 31-26 comeback victory at Texas State. Jeff Traylor’s Roadrunners bring a veteran quarterback in Owen McCown and an offense that has been productive through two weeks, but they face a major jump in class against the nation’s top-ranked team in a sold-out DKR. For Texas, the questions center on whether it can start with the same urgency it found late against Ohio State and sharpen its execution before SEC play begins. For UTSA, this is an opportunity to turn a regional matchup into the program’s biggest statement yet. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Central on SEC Network+.

Predictions

Jameson McCausland (2-0)

This seems like it might be a bit of a letdown spot after the Ohio State game. There was a lot of physical and emotional energy spent last Saturday at DKR, and there were quite a few storylines, both on and off the field, dominating the headlines throughout this week, so it’s only human nature to expect a few rough spots the following week when you are facing an opponent like UTSA. 

Jeff Traylor is a quality coach, but the Roadrunners were decimated in the portal and are rebuilding almost their entire defense. Owen McCown and Will Henderson are among the better QB/RB tandems at the Group of 6 level, so it wouldn’t be shocking to see UTSA have some success on offense.

I think UTSA covers a rather large spread (30 points) as Texas gets a lot of players in the game ahead of the SEC opener in Knoxville next week.

Score Prediction: Texas 42, UTSA 17

Devon Messinger (2-0)

After a stunning come-from-behind win, the Longhorns square off against a 2-0 UTSA Roadrunner team that is coming off of a win over Texas State.

Of course, the Longhorns opened the season 59-7 against the Bobcats of Texas State. However, if the champagne of this past Saturday’s win lingers, it would not surprise me if the Texas offense gets off to another slow start – at least for the first couple of drives.

With that said, Steve Sarkisian’s squad just won a program-defining game against Ohio State and I would like to think that it has served to motivate the team further to set their sights on higher aspirations.

On Saturday, look for the Longhorns to get things clicking once again in the passing game and to rotate a plethora of bodies at all positions. Unfortunately for the Roadrunners, the Longhorns are just too talented to out run over the course of four quarters, and can afford to get underclassmen playing time.

Score Prediction: Texas 49, UTSA 10

Aaron Carrara (2-0)

It would not be a surprise if Texas does not deliver its cleanest four quarters on Saturday, especially after the emotional high of rallying from 20 points down to beat Ohio State 24-23. Throw in spending the week under a bright national spotlight for various reasons, and the Longhorns have every reason to be a little flat early on. UTSA and Jeff Traylor arrive confident after a comeback win over Texas State, and they have the veteran offensive personnel to make Texas work for stops. Still, the difference in depth, speed and talent should become clear as the game settles in. The Roadrunners are also dealing with injury issues that could play a large part in Saturday’s efforts. Look for UTSA to land an early punch and perhaps keep it competitive into the first half, but for Texas to lean on its running game, generate a few timely defensive plays and gradually pull away in the fourth quarter. Tennessee looms but the Longhorns win big on Saturday.

Score Prediction: Texas 49, UTSA 13

Marc Henry (2-0)

Texas returns to DKR with plenty of momentum after a thrilling one-point victory over Ohio State. Now ranked No. 1 in the nation, the Longhorns must avoid complacency against an improving UTSA program.

The key for Texas will be matching last week’s intensity and taking control early. The Longhorns need to establish the running game, dominate the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and allow Arch Manning to play a clean, turnover-free game. If Texas stays focused, makes winning plays and finishes drives, the Longhorns should command the game from start to finish.

Score Prediction: Texas 42, UTSA 10

Mitch Lovell (2-0)

Texas comes off an emotional high in what was the win over Ohio State. Despite the thrilling 4th quarter comeback, the Longhorns have a lot to fix, especially on offense. Look for Texas to start fast against UTSA and overwhelm the Roadrunners in all three phases. Jeff Traylor is an exceptional coach, but the talent gap is too large in this one for UTSA to overcome.

Score Prediction: Texas 52, UTSA 10

Kendrick Johnson (2-0)

After registering one of the biggest wins in the last 20 years in program history last week, I look for Texas to take a no nonsense approach this week against UTSA while flexing their number one ranked muscle. After putting up pedestrian numbers against Ohio State, I expect Arch Manning and his talented receiving crew to light up the Austin sky with a big-time performance through the air.

There will not be a let down for the boys in Burnt Orange and White as I feel they will easily beat UTSA behind a four touchdown and 300 plus yard passing performance from Manning. The Longhorns are too fast and focused to slip up against UTSA this week.

Score Prediction: Texas 49, UTSA 7