The No. 20 Texas Longhorns will play in the friendly confines of Darrell K. Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium for the first time in over 40 days as they take on the No. 9 Vanderbilt Commodores. The stakes are high for both programs — as are the questions about quarterback Arch Manning, whose health and availability remain focal points in this contest. The high-profile SEC matchup will test the Longhorns’ resilience and versatility, the degree of which will hang on whether Manning takes the field or if backup Matthew Caldwell must step up to the plate and answer the call.
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia represents a multifaceted threat for the Commodores — his dual-threat nature as a passer and runner will require a solid Texas defense to prevent his offense from becoming explosive. Vanderbilt leads the Longhorns all-time with an 8-4-1 record, but the Longhorns got the better of Pavia and the Commodores last season in Nashville, winning 27-24. Key things to watch in this game include whether Texas can contain Pavia’s creativity, maintain an offensive tempo and momentum independent of their starting quarterback, and put forward yet again, a defense that can limit the damage Pavia’s offense can inflict over sixty minutes of play.
Kickoff takes place at 11:00 am with the game being televised on ABC.
Jameson McCausland (6-2)
Regardless of whether Manning plays or not, Texas is going to have to win this game with defense. Vanderbilt knows exactly what their identity is. The Longhorns have to get off the field defensively when the opportunities arise, especially after facing over 160 plays in the last games.
Pete Kwiatkowski and staff had a good game plan last year when these two teams met in Nashville, and it’s hard to envision this defense putting together back-to-back dud games.
I’ll take Texas in a close one.
Score Prediction: Texas 21, Vanderbilt 17
Aaron Carrara (4-4)
I picked Texas to lose last weekend in Starkville, but they skirted by the Bulldogs in OT thanks to one hell of a fourth quarter comeback. The Longhorns are simply finding ways to win games they shouldn’t be winning, and that could be a theme for this club as we head down the stretch of final four regular season games. Vanderbilt comes to DKR this weekend with a Top-10 national ranking and a team that has proven they know how to win with veteran quarterback Diego Pavia.
The Commodores average 434 yards of total offense per game, with almost half of those coming on the ground. Texas will have its work cut out to contain Pavia and company, but they have proven they are up to the challenge allowing just 80 yards/game on the ground. On the flip side, the Longhorns could start backup Matthew Caldwell in place of Arch Manning, which presents another host of questions for Sarkisian’s offense. Caldwell has looked great in the limited plays he has participated in, but what does he look like for an entire game? Whoever lines up under center will do so against a stout Commodore defense that gives up just 102 rushing yards/game and 322 total yards/game. Pair that with Texas’ struggles to rush the ball and that will put even more pressure on the quarterback to make throws and avoid pressure.
After more than a forty days away from home, this team will be ready to perform in front of its fan base. Saturday will almost certainly be a scrap-fest, possibly another OT game, but I see the Longhorns again pulling off a close win to notch their seventh win of the season.
Score Prediction: Texas 27, Vanderbilt 24
Marc Henry (5-3)
After two road wins, Texas is back in Austin to host Vanderbilt. Special teams have been huge during the Longhorns’ three-game win streak, led by Ryan Niblett’s explosive returns, including a key spark in the comeback at Mississippi State.
Arch Manning had his best game yet with 346 yards and 3 TDs, but he’s in concussion protocol this week. Matthew Caldwell is ready if needed.
The Texas defense remains elite and will look to contain Diego Pavia and a strong Vanderbilt offense. The Longhorns need this win to stay in the SEC title hunt.
Score Prediction: Texas 17, Vanderbilt 14
Devon Messinger (5-3)
After a roller-coaster game last weekend against Mississippi State – on e in which the Longhorns overcame a 17-point deficit on the road – I think anyone who claims to know what happens next can be labeled a snake-oil salesman.
Unfortunately for Texas, the offense continues to be a problem. Ans as the old saying goes, if you play with fire you’re bound to get burned. With Arch Manning potentially sidelined by a head injury, could Matthew Caldwell be the unexpected spark in a time of need?
With a feisty Vanderbilt team on the other sideline, Texas will need to find more answers than questions this week if they want to keep the winning streak alive.
Score Prediction: Vanderbilt 24, Texas 20
Jacob Campos (4-4)
There is some uncertainty with Matthew Caldwell, but Emmett Mosley’s emergence has been a bright spot. Cedric Baxter and Quintrevion Wisner are playing with confidence, there is renewed trust in player availability, and Coach Sark looks fired up.
Combine that with a defense eager to bounce back from its struggles against Mississippi State, and it feels like a perfect storm brewing for the first game back at DKR in over a month.
I like the ‘Horns pulling off the upset and ending the playoff hops for Pavia and Co. at DKR.
Score Prediction: Texas 27, Vanderbilt 20
Mitch Lovell (6-2)
Regardless if Arch Manning is able to play or it is Matthew Caldwell, look for an energized offense. The first home game in six weeks should have the team read to go.
Vanderbilt is a tough team led by quarterback Diego Pavia, but the Texas defense will bounce back. Expect another big game from Anthony Hill and Colin Simmons. The Longhorns will get a stop late to secure a much-needed Top-10 win.
Score Prediction: Texas 21, Vanderbilt 17
