Tag: Texas vs Louisiana

Five storylines to watch for in Texas’ season opener against Louisiana

Here are five storylines to watch for in Texas’ season opener against Louisana.

Just three days away from Texas’ season opener against Louisiana and everyone is trying to hurry up and wait. After a brutal offseason, Longhorn football is nearly upon us, and with a treat as well. It’s the first season-opening ranked matchup since 1984.

Opening up as an 8.5 point favorite, everybody seems to be picking the upset, let alone Texas covering the spread. After getting a win over Iowa State last season, beating up on Big 12 teams is nothing new to the Ragin’ Cajuns. Nothing is going to scare an already talented set of returning personnel.

Plenty of storylines will be present for Texas no matter if they win, lose, or draw. Sarkisian’s debut alone would be enough to quantify Saturday’s matchup a big one. Adding in a tough matchup makes everything just a tad bit more interesting.

Here are five storylines to watch for in Texas’ season opener against Louisiana.

Longhorns Wire staff predictions for Texas vs. Louisiana

Game predictions are back!

The new era of Texas football is now only days away. Continue reading “Longhorns Wire staff predictions for Texas vs. Louisiana”

Texas Football: Six notes on the initial depth chart for Louisiana

Shortly after Steve Sarkisian’s press conference, the depth chart was released by Texas. Here are six notes on the initial three deep.

Steve Sarkisian’s first game week press conference was on Monday where Hudson Card was officially named the starting quarterback. Shortly after, the entire depth chart was released by Texas.

There were few surprises from the top to bottom. Since the Longhorns are returning a lot of talent from last season, many of the starters from last season will play similar roles.

Here is the full depth chart:

At the end of the day, the depth chart released could be completely different from what Sarkisian and his staff end up doing. In-game adjustments could be made based on matchups or a player could prove he has earned playing time throughout the practice week.

Until Saturday, all we have is a three-deep roster at all 29 positions listed. Sarkisian has proven via the quarterback battle he is going to play something closer to his chest.

Here are six notes on Texas’ initial depth chart for Saturday’s matchup against Louisiana:

Steve Sarkisian confirms Texas QB Hudson Card will start vs Louisiana

Steve Sarkisian confirmed during his press conference on Monday that Hudson Card will be the starting quarterback against Louisiana.

The first big decision of the Steve Sarkisian era has been made. After eight months of a quarterback battle between Hudson Card and Casey Thompson, the head coach has named his starter.

After Horns247 reported Card was going to be the starting quarterback, Sarkisian confirmed during his press conference on Monday. He will be the first quarterback not named Sam Ehlinger to start for the Longhorns since the 2017 season.

After working as the third-stringer last season, Card’s spring and fall separated him from Thompson, who had more real game experience during last season.

“Hudson Card has earned the right to be the starter,” Sarkisian said.

Sarkisian called the new starter a good pocket passer alongside being able to make plays while on the run. Card’s deep ball was also complimented while still being able to make accurate shorter throws.

If Texas’ wide receivers are healthy and can perform, the Longhorns’ offense has the potential to be special. Card has the talent to be the best quarterback to play for Texas since Colt McCoy.

 

Despite Card being the starter, Sarkisian says Thompson is going to get playing time against Louisiana. The head coach says last year’s backup has “earned it” and was impressive during last week’s scrimmage.

“I know Casey is going to play,” Sarkisian said. “When, how much, I’m not exactly certain. We’re going to need both quarterbacks as this season goes on.”

Thompson easily becomes the best backup quarterback in the country. All it takes is one slight injury before an opportunity arises. If the Oklahoma native decides to stay in the program for the 2021 season, Sarkisian claims he will have the chance to get on the field.

For now, get used to No. 1 taking snaps in the burnt orange. His first test of the season will come right away against an experienced Louisiana defense.

The Steve Sarkisian era has officially begun.

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Five areas of concern for Texas ahead of the season opener against Louisiana

Five areas of concern to keep an eye on ahead of Texas’ season opener against No. 23 Louisiana.

It’s finally game week in Austin.

Texas has a big task in front of them with having to take on the No. 23 ranked Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns in their season opener.

The Longhorns had a full offseason under a new coaching staff to prepare for their tough first half of the schedule, and to just simply just to train in general as last season the offseason was decimated by COVID-19. However, just because Texas feels as if they are prepared for this matchup, does not mean that it will be a walk in the park by any means. It’s college football, anything can happen.

There is added pressure for Texas to succeed this season for a multitude of reasons. The first being the fact that they hired arguably the best offensive mind in college football in Steve Sarkisian to help them contend, and also the fact that the Longhorns are slated to make the move to the SEC conference in the near future. The target on their back is as big as its ever been.

All the questions of whether Texas is back or not will not be determined by a single game, but it could be a great indicator as to how this era will be different from the last.

The Longhorns got off to a rough start under Tom Herman when they lost to Maryland. Many of the issues we saw in his opening game became a constant throughout the Herman era as the team struggled with penalties and were unable to overcome a slow start.

Granted, this is obviously a much different team, but there are areas of concern that have emerged and could be prevalent in the Week 1 matchup for Texas.

Let’s take a look at some potential issues that could potentially get the Sarkisian era off to a Herman-like start.

Texas nearly double digit favorites against Louisiana

Texas is heading into the week as the favorite per Tipico betting odds.

After a long offseason, college football is finally back. Week 0 kicked off on Saturday, with three Power Five programs beginning their season. Everybody enjoyed having games back except Nebraska fans.

Texas fans still have a few days remaining before getting back to Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. For the first time since the 1984 season, the No. 21 Longhorns will have a ranked on ranked matchup against the No. 23 Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns.

Even more exciting is the debut of Steve Sarkisian. There seems to be a new sense of excitement within the program with the first-year head coach. Expectations may still be on the higher end but any sense of progress will be considered a successful season.

Sarkisian is hoping his all-time record against ranked opponents is not an omen for the season opener.

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After beating Iowa State last year, Billy Napier’s squad is looking to have two program-defining wins in as many seasons. Being one of the best Group of Five teams from last season, this is not a regular opening game.

In the sportsbooks, Texas is heading into the week as the favorite per Tipico betting odds. The Longhorns are expected to win by two possessions, being 8.5 point favorites.

Check out the full line here:

Line: Texas (-8.5)

Over/Under: 58.5

Money Line: Texas -320 | Louisiana +250

You can catch the game on Saturday, Sept. 4 at 3:30 p.m. CDT on Fox. The television network announced Tim Brando and Spencer Tillman will be on the call.

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Texas vs Louisiana Prediction, Game Preview

Texas vs Louisiana prediction and game preview, Saturday, September 4

Texas vs Louisiana prediction and game preview.

Texas vs Louisiana Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 4
Game Time: 4:30 ET
Venue: DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX
Network: FOX

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– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Texas (0-0) vs Louisiana (0-0) Game Preview

Why Louisiana Will Win

The machine still has most of its parts.

The Ragin’ Cajun offense that averaged 423 yards and 34 points per game – and beat Iowa State last year – gets back everyone but its two star running backs Elijah Mitchell and Trey Regas.

However, QB Levi Lewis is a veteran going into his fifth year, the offensive line should be the best in the Sun Belt, and the style of play can take over games.

The Texas defense still has a long, long way to go to be elite.

The new coaching staff can only do so much in an offseason, and it needs to crank up a run D that should have a word of problems if Louisiana is able to do what it does so well.

But it’s not just the offensive side that makes Billy Napier’s team so strong.

The Ragin’ Cajun defense gets back almost all of the top tacklers from a group that was brilliant at taking the ball away and was among the nation’s most efficient teams against the pass.

However …

– Week 1 College Football Expert Picks

Why Texas Will Win

Texas has some big-time guys ready to go, and it starts with head coach Steve Sarkisian.

This isn’t going to be 2020 Alabama right away – if at all – on offense, but the former Tide offensive coordinator knows how to make an O move, new UT OC Kyle Flood is brilliant at coaching up offensive lines, and there isn’t a whole lot that has to be done for an attack that averaged 475 yards and 43 points per game.

Bijan Robinson has the upside to be among the nation’s top running backs, the line is loaded with veterans, and the passing game should be fine with – most likely – a good group of young receivers ready to shine.

No, the D might not be elite quite yet, but there’s size, a ton of experience, and a potentially great back eight around LB DeMarvion Overshown and a wonderful group of safeties.

– CFN Preseason Rankings, Schedules, Projected Records For All 130 Teams

What’s Going To Happen

Let’s do a little bit of roll slowing on Louisiana.

It’s a dangerous, well-coached team with a great group of parts – it can absolutely win this game. However, it’s going to take a perfectly pitched game to do it.

Yeah, the Ragin’ Cajuns beat Iowa State to start 2020. They gained just 272 yards, were helped in a huge way by going +2 in turnover margin, and came up with both a kickoff and a punt return for a touchdown.

It’s not like the offense worked.

Texas can’t make the same mistakes the Cyclones did. It can’t turn the ball over, there can’t be a slew of breakdowns, and it has to play a full 60 minutes – the Ragin’ Cajuns will keep on coming.

It’s going to be a fight for the Longhorns, but the defense will rise up after giving up a few early scoring drives, and the offense will click in the third quarter after giving away a few turnovers early.

– CFN 2021 Preview of all 130 teams

Texas vs Louisiana Prediction, Line

Texas 34, Louisiana 24
Texas -9, o/u: 58
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3

Must See Rating: 3.5

5: The Many Saints of Newark
1: Space Jam: A New Legacy

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– Week 1 College Football Schedule

Texas Football: Three more kickoff times, TV information announced

ESPN announced plans for Arkansas and the RRS. FOX and Longhorn Network joined the party Thursday, announcing three more UT kickoff times.

When you’re in the middle of the offseason, any kind of news makes the season feel closer and closer. Especially with Texas expecting to have 100% capacity this fall.

ESPN announced plans for the Arkansas matchup earlier this month, along with Red River Shootout TV information. On Thursday, FOX and Longhorn Network joined the party, announcing three more Texas kickoff times.

Prepare yourself for a scorcher, because the Longhorns will open their season on Sept. 4 against Louisiana at 3:30 p.m. FOX will have the broadcast, directly following Penn State-Wisconsin’s Big Noon kickoff.

Longhorn Network will get its nonconference game two weeks later when Rice comes to Darrel K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Sept. 18. As usual, a night kickoff will be in store. Mark your calendars for 7 p.m.

The whirlwind of Thanksgiving weekend opponents continues with Kansas State coming to Austin. FOX moved the game from Saturday to Friday (Nov. 27) as expected, with an early 11 a.m. turkey hangover kickoff.

Here is Texas’ football schedule, with TV information and kickoff times so far. All times are CST:

  • Sept. 4 vs Louisiana – 3:30 on FOX
  • Sept. 11 at Arkansas – 7 p.m. on ESPN
  • Sept. 18 vs Rice – 7 p.m. on LHN
  • Sept. 25 vs Texas Tech – TBD
  • Oct. 2 at TCU – TBD
  • Oct. 9 vs Oklahoma – TBD on ABC/ESPN
  • Oct. 16 vs Oklahoma State – TBD
  • Oct. 30 at Baylor – TBD
  • Nov. 6 at Iowa State – TBD
  • Nov. 13 vs Kansas – TBD
  • Nov. 20 at West Virginia – TBD
  • Nov. 26 (Fri) vs Kansas State – 11 a.m. on FOX

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CBS Sports predicts Texas will be upset by two nonconference opponents

According to a few CBS Sports analysts, Texas and Steve Sarkisian will have a rough start to the 2021 college football season.

Steve Sarkisian’s tenure at Texas won’t get off to a hot start according to a few CBS Sports analysts. Continue reading “CBS Sports predicts Texas will be upset by two nonconference opponents”

College Football News lists a potential trap game for Texas football

College Football News believes that one of Texas’ nonconference opponents could be a trap game for first-year head coach Steve Sarkisian.

Upsets happen quite often in college football. It’s what makes the sport interesting, as long as you’re not on the losing end.

Either a team has overlooked their opponent altogether, or the game is sandwiched between two more important contests. Great football teams find a way to win these type of games.

While Texas’ 2021 football schedule looks fairly favorable for first-year head coach Steve Sarkisian, College Football News believes they’ll get tested right off the bat. They chose the Longhorns season opener against Louisiana as the potential trap game of the year.

Letdown/Sandwich Game: Louisiana, Sept. 4
Game Before: None
Game After: at Arkansas

Ask 2020 Iowa State about how much fun it is to play Louisiana at home to open up a season. The Steve Sarkisian era opens up with game after game after game with an interesting hook. At Arkansas, the in-state games against Rice, Texas Tech and TCU, and the Oklahoma showdown will all be a big deal, but the Ragin’ Cajuns are going to be a problem, too.

There are no ‘easy’ games in the world of college football, but there’s certainly battles that a team should feel confident in winning due to overall talent on the roster. Texas’ season opener is one that cannot be overlooked.

The Rajin’ Cajuns concluded the 2020 season with a 10-1 overall record. Their lone loss was to No. 12 Coastal Carolina by three points.