Staff Predictions: Texas vs. Maryland

Texas is looking to get 2018 started on the right track, after dropping last season’s opener to Maryland. Our staff delves into what the Longhorns must do to avenge last year’s loss.

Daniel Seahorn

After the debacle last year to open the season, this prediction comes with a bit of a wrinkle for me. We all felt that Texas would win the game and it certainly felt it was heading that way early, but we all know how that ended up playing out.

Chapter two of this series will be interesting because the Terps have dealt with a ton of distractions heading into this matchup and I expect Texas to be dialed in on making hints right after the let down in Austin. With new offensive coordinator Matt Canada calling the shots for Maryland, there could be a bit of a surprise element for the Terps, who have opted not to name a starter at QB.

I expect a better performance from the Longhorns, but I’m in wait and see mode before I predict them handling the Terps as the spread indicates. I’m picking Texas to get redemption, but I think it will be close for most of the way.

Prediction: Texas 28, Maryland 21

Jameson McCausland

Football is finally back! Last year, I predicted the Longhorns to be victorious over Maryland by a final of 35-10. Not the best start.

This year’s rematch features many interesting headlines. It will be interesting to see how Maryland plays with a cloud of uncertainty surrounding their program. Interim head coach Matt Canada has some talent to work with offensively and Maryland proved last year they are not scared of the Longhorns. Despite Texas being dangerously thin at LB, Todd Orlando has earned the benefit of the doubt when it comes to scheming around his personnel.

For Texas on offense, Sam Ehlinger will need to show he has taken the next step in his development. Maryland lost several key players defensively, and an improved offensive line should give Ehlinger time to get the ball to Collin Johnson and Lil’Jordan Humphrey.

I think Maryland will keep it close for a majority of the game, but Texas won’t allow themselves to get embarrassed by the Terrapins for the second year in a row.

Prediction: Texas 31, Maryland 17

Aaron Carrara

Can a sputtering Texas offense get things going early and establish some consistency? That’s been the key question for the last few years and Texas has yet to make us think it can. It’s game one and Ehlinger’s ability to manage the offense will be under the magnifying glass, as will the team’s ability to find a running game.  An offensive line with more experience and upperclassmen should help in that effort, especially with the addition of Calvin Anderson at left tackle.  I expect the defensive unit to respond early to what will likely amount to a heavy rushing attack from the Terrapins’ dual-threat quarterbacks Tyrrell Pigrome and Kasim Hill.  Texas shows signs of rust in this one but wins its opener to start Tom Herman’s second-year campaign at 1-0.

Prediction: Texas 38, Maryland 24

Harrison Wier

A large advantage Texas has going into round two of this matchup is consistency. For the first time in years, the Longhorns are familiar with scheme on both sides of the ball. The Texas offense has not had the same identity for more than one year in quite some time. This sense of familiarity allows for less time learning in the offseason and more time crafting and perfecting.

For Maryland, the story is different. Head coach DJ Durkin is on administrative leave, and newly implemented offensive coordinator Matt Canada is taking the reigns for week one. Maryland was already tasked with learning a new offensive scheme this offseason, but now they have to play under an entirely different coach.

For the Longhorns, defense should not be an issue, even after losing several key contributors to graduation and the NFL. Todd Orlando knows how to prepare, and the addition of the 2018 class gives the Texas defense the potential to be just as good as last season.

On offense, Sam Ehlinger should be drastically improved in his decision making and awareness in the pocket, and the Texas run game should be on a different level. The addition of graduate transfers Calvin Anderson (LT) and Tre Watson (RB) will add a new dimension to the Longhorns offense.

Although Maryland is no slouch, I expect Texas to be vastly improved from a year ago. This game will be tight, but Texas will pull away late.

Prediction: Texas 38, Maryland 28