The Longhorns will get their 2020 campaign started against UTEP at 7:00 PM on Saturday. Texas owns a perfect 5-0 record against the Miners, who won their season opener last week against Stephen F. Austin 24-14. The Longhorns have new coordinators on the both sides of the ball and fans expect to see improvement in both units.
Texas is favored by 43 points, but will they win on Saturday and cover the spread? Our staff gives their predictions on the outcome of the game.
Jameson McCausland
Texas enters Saturday’s game as a 43 point favorites for good reason. The Miners are clearly outmatched on both sides of the ball. For Texas fans, there is reason to be slightly concerned considering UTEP had a full spring practice and has already played a game, while the Longhorns missed all of spring practice and are breaking in two new coordinators. Regardless, this game should not be close. Texas should be able to rush for 200 yards easily with the 3-headed monster of Keaontay Ingram, Roschon Johnson and Bijan Robinson. Sam Ehlinger will add a couple of TD’s through the air and Texas will head into conference play with some confidence.
Aaron Carrara
Texas will have no trouble with a UTEP team that struggled against SFA last week, but fans will expect to see solid play on both sides of the ball, particularly on defense. The running game has an opportunity to start the season with a bang and I think they will have tremendous success on Saturday. It’s a short 10-game season for Big 12 schools, and this is a great primer for the ‘Horns to dust off the cobwebs before they head to Lubbock in two weeks.
Devon Messinger
Last weekend, UTEP was on the ropes against Stephen F. Austin, a team that is in the FCS. Sam Ehlinger should have no trouble against the Miners’ defense. The question will be, who else will make a name for themselves? Offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich will make sure to get everyone involved, however the offense will be rather vanilla for week one. On the defensive side, expect guys such as Joseph Ossai to feast all night. Overall, make sure to grab some popcorn and enjoy the season opener.
Tristan Larsen
Sam Ehlinger will lead the Texas Longhorns in his final first game wearing burnt orange. Ehlinger and company last year averaged over 35 points a game while going 3-1 in non conference play. In their lone non-conference game this season, I expect them to slam the accelerator against an inferior UTEP squad. Texas wins 51-10 but fails to cover the -43 point spread, as UTEP should have a little momentum after their 24-14 win over Stephen F Austin the week prior.
