Staff Predictions: No. 19 Texas Longhorns versus No. 7 Ole Miss Rebels

Texas could use a win.

After two straight losses to Oklahoma and Florida, the Longhorns are back in Austin on Saturday with a 4-2 record and No. 19 ranking. Waiting for them is No. 7 Ole Miss (5-1), which beat Missouri 31-3 last week to move to 5-1. There’s an obvious family angle to this matchup with Arch Manning facing the school where his grandfather and uncle played, but it won’t matter once the ball is kicked at 6:30 p.m. CT. Texas needs its quarterback and offense to give the home crowd something to cheer about after two frustrating weeks.

The Longhorns lead the all-time series 6-2, but Ole Miss won the last time they met — a 44-23 victory at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in 2013. Saturday is their first game as SEC opponents and Ole Miss comes into Austin with a 3-1 conference record and a chance to add another road win to their playoff resume. For Steve Sarkisian’s team, it’s about avoiding a third straight loss and frankly, salvaging a season. Can Texas put together a response at home or will Ole Miss leave Austin with another win? Our staff makes its picks below.

PREDICTIONS

Jameson McCausland (4-2)

It’s hard to have much faith in this Texas team’s mental state. Confidence is shaken at the most important position on the field (QB), the best defensive player is hurt, and the offense looks like they just met each other for the first time 30 minutes before kickoff.

Trinidad Chambliss will be the best QB on the field Saturday, and while the Rebels have looked susceptible on defense, what have we seen from this Texas offense to give us confidence they can take advantage for 4 quarters?

Score Prediction: Ole Miss 28, Texas 24

Devon Messinger (4-2)

On Saturday, the Longhorns look to avoid a three-game losing streak for the first time since the 2021 season.

Unfortunately for Texas, this weekend isn’t the ideal time to buck that trend as the Longhorns take on the seventh-ranked Ole Miss Rebels, led by star quarterback Trinidad Chambliss.

Against Florida, the Texas defense struggled against a sophomore quarterback making his first career start. Now, that same defense faces one of the best quarterbacks in the country. The Longhorns will have their backs against the wall, and they’ll need Arch Manning and the Texas offense to step up and help keep the defense off the field.

Speaking of the Texas offense, something has to change. If the unit doesn’t wake up this week, it may be time to accept that there’s little left to salvage. Bad coaching? Bad quarterback play? Whatever the issue, either could derail Texas’s season before it ever gets going.

Texas needs this win to keep its long-shot playoff hopes alive, and I believe the Longhorns will enter this matchup hungry for a statement win.

Score Prediction: Texas 31, Ole Miss 30

Aaron Carrara (4-2)

After two straight losses Texas needs to get back on track. The Longhorns had chances to win but offensive woes and costly turnovers by Arch Manning have stolen those chances away. This week they must protect the football and finish drives.

Defensively, Texas needs to limit explosive plays, pressure quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and contain Ole Miss star running back Kewan Lacy. Colin Simmons is out with an ankle injury, so others need to step up and limit the damage.

Texas has simply run out of room for error. Keeping its playoff hopes alive starts with a win over Ole Miss. A loss this week could very well lead to an out-of-control spiral that this team has trouble recovering from.

Score Prediction: Ole Miss 31, Texas 27

Marc Henry (4-2)

After two straight losses, Texas needs to regain its footing. The Longhorns have had chances to win, but offensive struggles and costly Arch Manning turnovers have erased those opportunities. Protecting the football and finishing drives must be the priority.

Defensively, Texas must limit explosive plays, pressure quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and contain standout running back Kewan Lacy. With Colin Simmons reportedly expected to miss time with an ankle injury, others must step up.

Texas is running out of room for error. Keeping its playoff hopes alive starts with a win over Ole Miss.

Score Prediction: Ole Miss 27, Texas 21

Mitch Lovell (4-2)

Until I see it with my own eyes, I can’t trust the Texas offense. The defense, minus Colin Simmons, is a different too, and not in a positive way. Trinidad Chambliss will be the best quarterback the Longhorns have faced, and I’m not sure Texas can score enough to keep up.

Score Prediction: Ole Miss 31, Texas 21

Kendrick Johnson (4-2)

Although I don’t think things will be fixed, I do expect Texas to circle the wagons on Saturday and play their best all-around game.

No matter who is under center, the Longhorns need their skill guys to make multiple explosive plays and earn the big money they are getting paid. Texas must run the ball to create big play action fake opportunities on offense and defensively they must stop the run and get Ole Miss off the field on third downs if they plan to get back into the win column.

The Longhorns almost went two full calendar years between losses at DKR so it’s going to be hard pressed for me to pick against them this week. With all being laid out on the table, I see the good guys in “burnt orange and white” prevailing in a nip and tuck affair 17-14 as Coach Sark, Arch Manning and company straighten up their sinking ship in get back into the win column this week.

Score Prediction: Texas 17, Ole Miss 14