Staff Predictions: UTEP @ No. 7 Texas Longhorns

The Texas Longhorns (1-1) return to DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday looking to build momentum and clean up lingering issues as they host the UTEP Miners (1-1). After a disappointing season-opening loss to Ohio State and a penalty-ridden win over San Jose State, Texas (1-1) needs a sharp, disciplined performance against UTEP. The Longhorns committed 12 penalties for 115 yards last week, including several drive-killers on offense and costly mistakes on special teams and defense. Quarterback Arch Manning showed had five total touchdowns against San Jose State, but questions remain about his consistency. With SEC play looming, head coach Steve Sarkisian has emphasized the need for focus and execution in what should be a tune-up game.

However, UTEP (1-1) brings a dangerous weapon to Austin in quarterback Malachi Nelson, a former five-star recruit who has found new life with the Miners. Nelson, who transferred from USC and Boise State, has thrown for 456 yards and five touchdowns through two games, showing the arm strength and poise that once made him the nation’s top high school quarterback. Nelson is a vertical threat that could test Texas defensive backs that are still working out kinks themselves. The Longhorns are more than 40 point favorites in this game and they cannot overlook UTEP’s ability to extend plays and capitalize on defensive lapses.

Here is what our staff thinks about Saturday’s game at DKR between the ‘Horns and Miners, which kicks off at 3:15 pm CST on SEC Network.

Jameson McCausland (1-1)

The injury situation is a bit of a question mark for Texas this week. Will we see guys like Alex January, Colin Simmons, Tre Wisner, DeAndre Moore and Michael Taaffe? All 5 either did not play against San Jose State or exited the game with an injury. Those 5 players are not the difference between Texas winning and losing, but there could be some more growing pains if backups have to start in each of those spots.

This is a week where I expect the running game to get going. Steve Sarkisian was not very happy with his offensive line’s performance last weekend and it sounds like those guys are going to be challenged quite a bit leading up to this matchup. This feels like a game where Texas gets its first 100-yard rusher of the season and cruises to a victory in the second half.

Score Prediction: Texas 48, UTEP 10

Aaron Carrara (1-1)

Sark mentioned a lot of the younger guys will see playing time this weekend, so I expect this game as well as next week’s to be more fine-tuning to see where depth shakes out. Texas needs to demonstrate that they can run the ball consistently and Saturday is a good game to prove they can, despite being without Tre Wisner. I was high on the Longhorns prior to the season, and the sky is by no means falling, but Sark and company have work to do on both sides of the ball. The defense will face a talented quarterback in Malachi Nelson, and Pete Kwiatkowski’s group has an opportunity to show why they were considered one of the best defensive units in the country prior to the season. Texas wins this game in a big manner.

Score Prediction: Texas 51, UTEP 7

Marc Henry (1-1)

The Longhorns got back on track last week with a 38–7 win over San Jose State, showing balance on both sides of the ball. Arch Manning looked sharp, completing 19 of 30 passes for 295 yards and 4 touchdowns. Freshman receiver Parker Livingstone had a breakout performance with 4 catches for 128 yards and 2 scores. Texas finished with 472 total yards of offense, while the defense dominated, holding the Spartans to just 85 rushing yards and 273 total yards.

This week, the defense faces a new challenge in talented quarterback Malachi Nelson. The USC and Boise State transfer has settled in with UTEP, throwing for 456 yards and 5 touchdowns through two games. The Miners running game is powered by Ashten Emory and Hahsaun Wilson, while their defense has shown a fierce edge, racking up 10 sacks in the first two weeks.

For Texas, the key will be winning the battle in the trenches early and not allowing UTEP to gain confidence. If the Longhorns control the line of scrimmage, they should cruise to another victory.

Score Prediction: Texas 34, UTEP 7

Devon Messinger (1-1)

After a bounce back win against San Jose State, the Longhorns will continue to try and shake off the rust against UTEP this Saturday.

In this week’s game, be on the lookout for who can break away as the team’s second best receiving option at the WR2 position. Arch has already developed timing with Parker Livingstone and Jack Endries, but who else will step up to give Texas the depth they will need down the stretch later in the season?

Score Prediction: Texas 41, UTEP 10

Mitch Lovell (1-1)

Texas won by 31 against San Jose State but still looked very sloppy at times. Look for the Longhorns to come out cleaner to start the game. There were too many drops and penalties last week. Wide receiver Ryan Wingo is pressing, and I believe Sarkisian will get him involved early on to boost his confidence. The Texas defense will be too much for UTEP as the game wears on.

Score Prediction: Texas 52, UTEP 3

Jacob Campos (1-1)

As non-conference play comes to a a close, I expect the Longhorns to start hitting their stride and playing more consistently.

I’m looking for a breakout performance from Ryan Wingo and improved play from the offensive line. A few sacks on Malachi Nelson combined with progress from Minning, should lift the Longhorns to 2-1.

Score Prediction: Texas 49, UTEP 14