Staff Predictions: No. 3 Texas Longhorns @ No. 10 Michigan Wolverines

No. 3 Texas and No. 10 Michigan will battle at the Big House in Ann Arbor on Saturday at 11:00 am. The Wolverines are the defending national champions, and Saturday’s contest marks the second-straight season in which the Longhorns are playing a non-conference road game against a Top-10 opponent. Last season they traveled to Tuscaloosa in Week 2 and knocked off a Top-5 Alabama team at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Can they repeat that success this week up north?

Last week the Longhorns looked crisp on offense and solid on defense in their 52-0 shutout win over Colorado State. The Wolverines put up 17 points in the fourth quarter against Fresno State to secure a 30-10 win last weekend. Both teams have work to do to improve, but it appears Texas is more “big game” ready than Michigan solely based on last week’s performances.

Despite being favored by a touchdown in this game, the Longhorns are playing on the road in a loud, intimidating environment. Will Quinn Ewers and the Texas offense continue to play efficient football against a good Michigan defense? Will Michigan’s offense play multidimensional football against a Texas defense that allowed just 192 total yards last week? Our staff shares their thoughts and score predictions on Saturday’s big game at Michigan Stadium.

Jameson McCausland (1-0)

Texas appears to be catching Michigan at the perfect time. The Wolverines have a pretty big question mark at QB and are breaking in almost an entirely new offense. The big concern for Texas is going against a Michigan defense that features 4 players who may be picked in the first round in the upcoming NFL Draft. The Longhorns have offensive weapons to match Michigan, but it will be interesting to see if Texas has success running the ball and how well they hold up in pass protection. Steve Sarkisian has been known to reach deep into his bag of tricks in marquee games like this one, so expect a lot of creativity. 

As long as the Longhorns play a relatively clean game and don’t take a gigantic step back on defense, it’s tough to envision Michigan having a ton of success offensively. The Wolverines will likely rely on their defense to set up their offense.

While I think this game will be extremely close, Texas has more paths to a potential victory than Michigan. Quinn Ewers and the Texas skill players are the difference.

Score Prediction: Texas 27, Michigan 21

Aaron Carrara (1-0)

I don’t put a lot into Michigan’s season-opening game in which they struggled offensively, but the Longhorns need to be prepared to stop the run, more so than not. The Wolverines’ passing game leaves a lot to be desired which means they will try and beat the Longhorns on the ground with guys like Kalel Mullings, Donovan Edwards and Alex Orji when he plays quarterback. The line play for both teams will tell the story when this game is said and done, and I think Texas has the overall advantage. Michigan’s defense and the loud environment will test the Longhorns early, but there is a reason Texas is favored by a touchdown… The Texas offense is lethal and Pete Kwiatkowski’s defense is really good, which will be enough for the ‘Horns to leave Michigan Stadium with a huge win.

Score Prediction: Texas 34, Michigan 17

Devon Messinger (1-0)

Saturday marks Texas’ first real challenge on the season. While Michigan is lower-ranked, playing the defending national champion on the road is no joke (especially when the game is at the Big House). Furthermore, in big games such as this one, star players tend to be the ones a team has to rely on to make plays. As a result, Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers will have to shoulder a lot of the team’s expectations entering this game. However, on the other sideline, Michigan running back Donovan Edwards, a fellow EA Sports College Football 25 cover boy, will also determine the fate of his team’s success in this matchup.

This game will ultimately come down to play in the trenches and, right now, I like Texas’ offensive line over Michigan’s offensive line. Even so, Michigan’s talented defense should cause the Longhorns plenty of trouble. For that reason, the Longhorns offense will stumble at times. Consequently, the only real question left answering is how well the team will be able to overcome these said mistakes.

Score Prediction: Texas 27, Michigan 24

Marc Henry (1-0)

Texas versus Michigan at the Big House is shaping up to be a classic early-season matchup. With both teams ranked in the top ten, the atmosphere will be electric.

Texas will need to execute flawlessly on offense, especially in such a hostile environment. The noise at Michigan Stadium can be deafening, and it’s crucial for Texas to maintain composure, particularly for Quinn Ewers and the offensive line. Establishing the run will be key not only to control the clock but also to take pressure off the passing game. If Texas can consistently move the chains on the ground, they’ll be able to dictate the pace and keep Michigan’s potent offense off the field.

On defense, the Longhorns must be stout against the run. Michigan will look to wear down Texas with their physical ground game, so winning the battle in the trenches is critical. Texas’s secondary will need to be disciplined and avoid giving up big plays.

This game could come down to which team controls the line of scrimmage and makes fewer mistakes. Texas’s ability to adapt to the noise and pressure of playing on the road will be a major factor.

Score Prediction: Texas 24, Michigan 14

Dylan DeRaud (1-0)

Texas is entering the home of the defending national champions and it won’t be a cake walk. Michigan’s defense, which is expected to be in attack mode all game, will focus on pressuring Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers and challenging their receivers with tight man coverage. Isiah Bond, who played Michigan in the Rose Bowl with Alabama had 4 receptions for 47 yards, will face a tough matchup again against CB Will Johnson.

The outcome of the game may very well come down to Michigan’s kicker, Dominic Zvada, who hit multiple field goals from over 50 yards last week, and quarterback Davis Warren making key plays on third downs. Michigan’s ability to control the clock with their running game and maintain defensive pressure, led by all-americans Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, will be the deciding factors in their narrow victory over Texas.

Score Prediction: Michigan 23, Texas 20

Mitch Lovell (1-0)

Michigan simply doesn’t have the playmakers on offense to beat a good Texas defense. The Wolverines’ defense will keep them in this game but a strong second half by the Longhorns will prove too much for Michigan.

Score Prediction: Texas 24, Michigan 10