It’s finally here. The most anticipated non-conference game in college football between the Texas Longhorns and Michigan Wolverines kicks off in mere hours.
The game will be the focus of the college football world on Saturday. Fox Big Noon Kickoff will be there. ESPN College GameDay will be there. MLB Hall of Famer Derek Jeter will be Michigan’s honorary captain and Longhorns “Minister of Culture” Matthew McConaughey will be in Ann Arbor L-I-V-I-N’. Swimming GOAT Michael Phelps will be the College GameDay guest picker and for some reason, Will Ferrell will be on hand.
Michigan and Texas have met only once, and that game was an epic clash that made Vince Young a household name. Will this game live up to the hype?
Jamie Gatlin’s Prediction:
After an impressive Week One win, the Longhorns will take on the defending national champions Michigan Wolverines on Saturday. While Michigan has undergone numerous changes, it will still be a tough test for Texas.
For the Longhorns, the key will be getting the offense going early. Last week, Matthew Golden and Ryan Wingo showed that they can be a lethal duo, which will make life difficult for the Wolverine’s secondary.
Take the Longhorns in what should be a hard-fought battle.
Prediction: Texas 35, Michigan 20
Trey Luerssen’s Prediction:
I agree with Rick Neuheisel, I think Texas wins big. If there is a concern for the Longhorns, it might be in the running game. Michigan still has a stout run defense and I don’t think the Colorado State game provided enough evidence that the running back injuries of fall camp won’t be a problem.
Michigan has a good secondary, but Fresno State did have success in the passing game. I think Texas QB Quinn Ewers picks them apart. Michigan’s offense is not particularly prolific and will struggle against the speed of Texas’ defense.
The Longhorns might start slow. They environment of 110,000+ in the Big House will be intimidating. But I’d be more concerned if it was a night game.
Prediction: Texas 30, Michigan 9
Ryan Kay’s Prediction:
This game will receive much attention as it is a top ten matchup against two historical football programs that made the four-team playoff last season. Texas is going on the road looking to get a signature non-conference victory against a highly ranked Big Ten opponent.
Some media figures are predicting a blowout victory for Texas, referencing their road win last year against Alabama and the fact that the Longhorns have a proven quarterback compared to Michigan, who is starting a former walk-on. The Wolverines lost many players to the NFL draft, but Texas lost some players from last season’s team to the NFL as well.
This game will be close in the first quarter, and it may be a one-score at halftime. However, Texas will take over in the second half and win this game.
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