Although Texas ended the regular season with a 6-3 overall record, it felt underwhelming considering it wasn’t enough to compete for the Big 12 title.
However, the Longhorns will get a chance to end the 2020 season on a high note when they face Colorado in the Valero Alamo Bowl on Dec. 29.
It feels redundant to see Texas in the Alamo Bowl, but they haven’t showcased enough consistency to deserve a bid to one of the New Year’s Six bowl games or the College Football Playoff.
The Longhorns will be without several key starters due to their decision to forego the remainder of the season to prepare for the 2021 NFL draft. Star left tackle Samuel Cosmi and wide receiver Brennan Eagles are the primary players missing on the offensive side. Due to an injury to center Derek Kerstetter, Texas will start two freshman on the offensive line.
Head coach Tom Herman’s squad lost more starters on the defensive side. Safeties Caden Sterns and Chris Brown will not play in the Alamo Bowl, along with defensive lineman Ta’Quon Graham and linebacker Joseph Ossai.
Regardless, Texas is favored over Colorado at -9 according to BetMGM odds. Who are the experts predicting to win?
CBS Sports
For better or worse, Texas plays to its competition. In fact, six of the Horns’ nine games were decided by one possession. Bookies are giving the Horns about nine points. Is Texas good enough to win by double digits? Sure. Add in the possibility of quarterback Sam Ehlinger going off in what will likely be his last collegiate game, and laying the points wouldn’t be the worst choice. But the tape has shown us that you’re never quite sure what you’re going to get out of the Horns. So let’s ride with the one thing that we can depend on: Texas playing in tight games.
Pick: Colorado +9.5 | Texas 37, Colorado 31
ESPN
My worst bowl pick last year was Utah over Texas, as the Longhorns thoroughly dominated the Alamo Bowl. Colorado isn’t as good as Utah in 2019, but the Buffaloes will be extremely motivated after having three games canceled because of COVID-19 issues and Pac-12 ineptitude. Texas has had several key opt outs, but quarterback Sam Ehlinger will be on the field for most likely his final game in burnt orange. Colorado’s backfield of Sam Noyer and Jarek Broussard will stress an improved Texas defense. Although I’m a bit concerned about the Longhorns’ motivation, it’s hard to go against the more talented team under Tom Herman (4-0 in bowls) playing close to home, especially after last year’s result.
Pick: Texas 37, Colorado 27
College Football News
Gill Alexander, VSIN: Texas*
Patrick Conn, Longhorns Wire: Texas
Jeff Feyerer, Fighting Irish Wire: Texas*
Pete Fiutak, CFN: Texas
Dan Harralson, Vols Wire: Texas
Phil Harrison, Buckeyes Wire: Texas
Jeremy Mauss, MW Wire: Colorado
Big Game Ben Niewoehner, CFN: Texas*
Kegan Reneau, Sooners Wire: Texas
Johnny Rosenstein, SportsBookWire: Texas*
Nick Shepkowski, Fighting Irish Wire: Texas
Scott Steehn, WinnersandWhiners: Texas*
Keith Stewart, WinnersandWhiners: Texas*
Brian Stultz, Auburn Wire: Texas
Clucko the Chicken, CFN: Colorado
CONSENSUS PICK: Texas*
Dallas Morning News
Texas has played in six one-score games already this season. Why not finish 2020 with one more?
This game will likely be a great opportunity for several young Texas players to pick up valuable experience (especially defensively). In turn, Colorado will have its way offensively early.
When it comes down to it, Ehlinger makes one final push as a Longhorn, and he and Robinson are able to finish off the 2020 season on top.
Pick: Texas 31, Colorado 28