Staff Predictions: No 7. Texas Longhorns vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders

The Texas Longhorns (10-1, 7-1) are off to their best start as a program since 2009 and look to finish the season with a win over the Texas Tech Red Raiders (6-5, 5-3) on Friday at DKR. A win would ensure a trip to the Big 12 Championship Game, which they haven’t played in since 2018, and give Steve Sarkisian his first 11-win season as a head coach. Texas is still in the mix for a potential spot in the College Football Playoff should they win the next two games, but Texas Tech has played spoiler to the Longhorns’ season many times before and hope to do so again.

The Red Raiders under second-year head coach Joey McGuire are bowl eligible for the second consecutive season. Since losing to BYU on October 21 Texas Tech has won three-straight. McGuire took his shots at Texas prior to the season, as did Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark who will be in attendance, and the fans and players haven’t forgotten those comments.

How will this game shake out? Is Texas on upset alert or will they handle the Red Raiders and claim their spot in the Big 12 Championship game? Our staff shares their thoughts and score predictions.

Jameson McCausland (9-2)

Texas Tech is an interesting team. The Red Raiders struggled mightily early this season but have won 3 straight and seem to have found an identity.

Texas grinded out a tough road win last week and will be on a short week. It wouldn’t be surprising if it took the Longhorns a quarter or two to find a rhythm.

With that being said, there is too much on the line and Texas seems to know what is in front of them.

Score Prediction: Texas 31, Texas Tech 21

Aaron Carrara (10-1)

The overtime win last season by the Red Raiders, the laughable statements made by head coach Joey McGuire about the Longhorns, the Big 12 Championship game awaits if they win….. I don’t think Texas “breaks” on Friday as there is entirely too much at stake. The Red Raiders are playing better football than they did early on and they have a great running back in Tahj Brooks, but Texas doesn’t allow much on the ground. With that being said, Tech has a respectable passing game. If the Longhorns cover well in the secondary, this could be a more lopsided win than many expect. Texas simply needs to play their brand of football and they finish the regular season 11-1 with a lot more to look forward to.

Score Prediction: Texas 34, Texas Tech 24

Ryan Swantkowski (10-1)

The ‘Horns are so close yet so far from a potential playoff appearance, and the Red Raiders are looking to play spoiler in Austin on Friday. Last season, Tech defeated Texas in Lubbock early in the season to diminish the hope and hype the Longhorns had during that offseason, and I can guarantee they will be more motivated than ever to do it again. While they haven’t been great this season, they still have some playmakers such as Tahj Brooks who can really create some explosive plays. This being said, I think Quinn Ewers continues to do just enough, and I’d like to see TE Sanders get more involved as well, especially in the middle of the field. I’ve got the Horns advancing to the Big 12 title with a lot on the line, but it won’t be the prettiest game by any means 

Score Prediction: Texas 34, Texas Tech 21

Todd Glawson (8-3)

The Texas faithful have been counting down the days to this one since Big XII Commissioner, Brett Yormark, publicly pleaded with Texas Tech’s Joey McGuire to “take care of business” against the Longhorns before they leave for the SEC. And as much as we’d all love a 2021 type of beatdown with tons of style points, the objective should be to put away a very average Red Raider squad early and get to the conference championship as injury-free as possible. I think Sark and company’s approach will be very business-like as it was in Ames, but with even more bulletin board material and a desire to avenge last year’s loss in Lubbock. There could be a few ups-and-downs along with some Tech trickeration and tempo to try and make the good guys miserable, but ultimately the regular season ends as it should with an 11-1 Texas preparing for a trip to Arlington. 

 Score Prediction: Texas 38, Texas Tech 17

Devon Messinger (9-2)

The regular season comes to a close on Friday and oh what a regular season it has been. With a win over Tech, the Longhorns will officially clinch a ticket to the Big 12 Conference championship game. Meanwhile, on Friday, the Texas Tech Red Raiders have the opportunity to spoil Texas’ party before it even begins.

Entering this week’s game, the Longhorns have a multitude of injury question marks thanks to a bruising game last weekend against Iowa State. However, it appears that Steve Sarkisian does not expect to miss anyone against Tech. Although we will still have to see if any players will be subject to a snap count. That being said, the Longhorns have ample supply of bulletin board material to motivate themselves for this matchup and are facing a team that just achieved bowl eligibility with a win last weekend.

It is always smart to expect the unexpected when it comes to the Longhorns, however they have been the conference’s team to beat this season. If their secondary can hold up against Joey McGuire’s Raiders team, the Longhorns will be in a good position to win.

Score Prediction: Texas 34, Texas Tech 24

Marc Henry (8-2)

In their recent victory over the Iowa State Cyclones, the Texas Longhorns showcased their resilience, securing a 26-16 win to keep their Big XII title aspirations alive. The impending matchup against Texas Tech now looms large on their schedule, offering a critical test for the Longhorns in the conference.

With the unfortunate season-ending injury to Jonathan Brooks, the Longhorns’ offensive strategy is set to pivot towards a heavier reliance on the run game, with CJ Baxter assuming the role of the lead back. Quarterback Quinn Ewers played a pivotal role in the win over Iowa State, passing for 281 yards and two touchdowns. The passing game will likely revolve around key targets like Mitchell and Worthy, dynamic players with the ability to make big plays both in the middle of the field and deep down the field.

T’Vondre Sweat’s emergence up front for the Longhorns proved crucial in limiting Iowa State to a mere 9 yards rushing. The defensive unit, featuring standout players like Byron Murphy II and Jaylan Ford, faces the task of applying pressure on Texas Tech, aiming to curtail big plays and effectively shut down their running game.

As the Longhorns prepare for this decisive conference matchup, their success will hinge on a balanced offensive approach, effective defensive pressure, and the ability to adapt to challenges, ultimately determining their fate in the pursuit of the Big XII title.

Score Prediction: Texas 34, Texas Tech 21

Dylan DeRaud (9-2)

A team with nothing to lose is a frightening opponent. That thought should linger in the minds of every Texas fan as they approach the Friday matchup with Texas Tech. The Red Raiders are coming off a close victory over Central Florida, during which running back Tahj Brooks showcased an impressive performance with 182 yards rushing and a touchdown on 24 carries. For the Longhorns, halting Brooks’s momentum is crucial if they aim to finish the season with 11 wins and secure a return to the Big 12 Championship game for the first time since 2018.

Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton has demonstrated strong play over the past three weeks, contributing to a three-game winning streak for the Red Raiders and securing their eligibility for a bowl game. This comes at an opportune moment, especially after Texas’s game against Iowa State, where quarterback Rocco Becht threw for 323 yards. Nevertheless, the Longhorns demonstrated an impressive defensive performance last week by allowing only 9 yards rushing. This bodes well for them in a game where limiting Tahj Brooks to under 100 yards rushing could greatly enhance their chances of defeating their rivals from Lubbock for the last time while in the Big 12. Expect Texas to be able to move the ball effectively on offense and the defense to force Texas Tech to be one-dimensional offensively.

Score Prediction: Texas 31, Texas Tech 14

Mitch Lovell (9-2)

This is a game that has been circled by Texas from Athletic Director Chris Del Conte down to the walk-on players. There has been a lot of trash talk from Texas Tech since they upset Texas in Lubbock last year. The Red Raiders haven’t had the year many expected and the Longhorns have had that year. A chance for Texas to clinch their first regular season Big 12 title since 2009 and their first Big 12 title berth in five years. Expect a big day from the Texas offense and expect Sweat, Ford and many other defensive players in their last game at DKR to show out.

Score Prediction: Texas 58, Texas Tech 10