Looking at how Texas football will navigate a tough November slate

A tough November could determine whether or not Texas reaches 10 wins this season.

The Texas football program begins a crucial 2023 season in just over three months. In many ways this has to be the year the Longhorns break through. For starters, Texas’ Steve Sarkisian has yet to win 10 games as a head coach. More than that, he has a program loaded and ready to win now.

We’ve written extensively on what Texas returns, but less about what the program could lose after this season. While the offense could lose a good amount of upperclassmen, it should be in good hands after this season. The defense could be a different story.

The Longhorns’ secondary is comprised of four seniors with Jalen Catalon, Ryan Watts, Jerrin Thompson and Jahdae Barron. The experience is a huge advantage for the current squad, but one that could cause next year’s team to struggle. For that reason, Texas needs to win now. To do so, the team needs to make it through a tough November slate.

It’s very possible Texas starts the season 8-0. I’ve predicted as much and believe the team matches up well enough with the first eight teams to secure wins. After that comes the gauntlet of potential upsets. Texas hosts Kansas State and Texas Tech while traveling to TCU and Iowa State.

Let’s break down each of the final four matchups of the year.