Each week, we’ll track the Longhorns opponents, keeping tabs on our schedule strength as the year progresses.
Aug. 31 – New Mexico State Aggies (0-0) vs Texas Longhorns
Line: Texas -43
Prediction: Texas 52, New Mexico State 7
Obviously the Aggies open up this week at Texas. Nuff said.
Sept. 7 – BYU Cougars (0-0) at Virginia Cavaliers
Line: BYU -1
Prediction: Virginia 27, BYU 24
The Cavaliers have questions at QB and WR, which would favor BYU, but Virginia has proven it can win these kind of games at home. A real toss up.
Sept. 14 – Ole Miss Rebels (0-0) at Vanderbilt Commodores
Line: Ole Miss -3.5
Prediction: Vanderbilt 37, Ole Miss 31
Vanderbilt is at home and well coached. The Rebels signed a stellar class and have a seasoned QB, but they are still a year away in the minds of many.
Sept. 21 – Kansas State Wildcats (0-0) vs North Dakota State Bison
Line: Kansas State -13
Prediction: Kansas State 31, North Dakota State 21
North Dakota State is the #1 ranked team in FCS and the defending National Champions (you know, where you have to earn it). This game is going to be tough, and if a couple breaks go the Bison’s way, they are fully capable of beating the Wildcats. Don’t be shocked if it happens. I think it’ll be close until about 10 minutes to go, then the scholarship difference and heat will take over.
Oct. 3 – Iowa State Cyclones (0-0) vs Northern Iowa Panthers
Line: Iowa State -9.5
Prediction: Iowa State 24, Northern Iowa 17
Not much to say here. I think Rhoads has his guys ready and get a solid, but not spectacular win.
Oct. 12 – Oklahoma Sooners (0-0) vs Louisiana – Monroe Warhawks
Line: Oklahoma -22
Prediction: Oklahoma 38, Louisiana – Monroe 21
Sooners will pull away in the second half and win the game. They’ll probably need to show more than they’d like with West Virginia coming to town next week.
Oct. 26 – TCU Horned Frogs (0-0) vs Louisiana State Tigers
Line: LSU by -4.5
Prediction: LSU 38, TCU 20
TCU is missing some key pieces, and I’m not drinking the purple (and black) koolaid. The Tigers are going to make a statement and maul the Horned Frogs.
Nov. 2 – Kansas Jayhawks (0-0) vs Bye Week
Line: Oddly enough, Bye Week -3
Prediction: None (I couldn’t resist)
Kansas is off this weekend, preparing its bevy of JUCO imports for opening weekend next week against hapless South Dakota (1-10 last year).
Nov. 9 – West Virginia Mountaineers (0-0) vs William & Mary Tribe
Line: West Virginia -32
Prediction: West Virginia 41, William & Mary 14
West Virginia has some documented issues, but the Tribe isn’t North Dakota State or anything. The Mountaineers will cruise ahead of their trip to OU next week.
Nov. 16 – Oklahoma State Cowboys (0-0) vs Mississippi State Bulldogs
Line: Oklahoma State -12.5
Prediction: Oklahoma State 42, Mississippi State 28
The Cowboys are still answering some questions and dealing with camp injuries. Once the hottest thing going, Dan Mullen better start winning if he wants to remain in Starkville. Mike Gundy, a man who is certainly over 40, will have his guys hang over 40 on the Bulldogs.
Nov. 28 – Texas Tech Red Raiders (0-0) at SMU Mustangs
Line: Texas Tech -6
Prediction: Texas Tech 41, SMU 24
Double K isn’t going to come out not ready to rock, and he will have all his QB’s ready to play. It’s still Garrett Gilbert as the trigger man for the Mustangs. That’ll equal a pick six.
Dec. 7 – Baylor Bears (0-0) vs Wofford Terriers
Line: Baylor -28.5
Prediction: Baylor 63, Wofford 14
Baylor is going to kick the ever loving dog **** out of the Terriers (no pun intended).