Texas will open Big 12 play with Texas Tech in Week 4.
The Longhorns have experienced their ups and downs throughout the first three weeks, absolutely dominating Louisiana and Rice, but being on the wrong end of the spectrum vs. Arkansas.
You can consider the next three weeks somewhat of a gauntlet for Texas, as they will take on Texas Tech, TCU, and Oklahoma in consecutive weeks. The Horned Frogs have a legitimate chance to be contenders and/or spoilers this season, while the Red Raiders are clearly on the rise.
Texas Tech enters the matchup with a 3-0 record, while Texas sits at 2-1. We’ve all witnessed how close these matchups have been in the past, and Sept. 25 should be no exception.
How confident is the Longhorns Wire staff that Texas can open Big 12 play with a win?
Staff predicts the game
| Texas (-9.5) | Record ATS | Winner | Record Overall | |
| Cami | Texas Tech | 2-1 | Texas | 2-1 |
| Griffin | Texas Tech | 1-2 | Texas | 2-1 |
| Kevin | Texas Tech | 2-1 | Texas | 2-1 |
Cami Griffin
This is certainly no cakewalk for Texas. The Red Raiders have a strong run defense and a talented quarterback behind center in Tyler Shough. Not to mention, Texas Tech now has a balanced attack with Tahj Brooks running the ball successfully.
This will be the first true test for quarterback Casey Thompson, and he will have to make several big plays with his arm in order for the Longhorns to escape with a win here. I don’t expect this contest to be as high scoring as previous years, but Texas must start fast or the game could go downhill quickly. The spread of -9.5 is a bit too high for me.
Texas 37, Texas Tech 31
Griffin McVeigh
Texas Tech has played Texas well over the past few seasons and I think they will continue to on Saturday. Bijan Robinson and the offensive line have some serious work ahead of them to be successful. This is not your typical Red Raider defense. If the run game struggles, this will be the first time we will need the arm of Casey Thompson to come through. If he can find his receivers consistently, Texas’ offense will be fine.
On defense, there will be a ton of different personnel on the field for Pete Kwiatkowski. Do you run nickel to defend against some of Tech’s talented receivers such as Erik Ezukanma, or do you try really hard to stop the run with an extra linebacker out there? DeMarvion Overshown has to be the star we all think he is and have a big game in both areas.
I think being at home will be the decider for Texas. Has a slight whoever has the ball last might win feeling, without there being 100 points on the board.
Texas 31, Texas Tech 27
Kevin Borba
Regardless of how different the talent level has been, this is a game that always seems to be tightly contested. Dating back to 2015, five out of the six matchups have been decided by single digits, and this is looking like one of the more complete Texas Tech teams to date. Texas really needs to establish the run game to take the pressure off what has been an underperforming receiver room. Quarterback Casey Thompson is also playing his first meaningful Big 12 game, which should be interesting.
Texas Tech’s offense is not just the air raid anymore, as although Tyler Shough can sling it, their running game has been just as consistent for the Red Raiders. Their two lead backs in Tahj Brooks and Xavier White are averaging over seven yards a carry each, and as we saw in the Arkansas game, can be troublesome for Texas. The Longhorns front seven needs to be on their toes in order to prevent a disaster from happening.
I imagine this game will continue the trend of being close. Casey Thompson will have to really throw the ball well to give Texas the win.
Texas 42, Texas Tech 35