The Longhorns lost 14-7 to the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday in a disappointing start to the season. Although the Longhorns were one of only two SEC teams to lose, they still didn’t look the worst.
Here’s how every SEC team that Texas will face fared in Week 1, along with who ESPN’s analytics now favor.
Result: 55-0 win over Long Island
How: The Gators were too dominant for LIU, allowing QBs DJ Lagway and Tramell Jones to combine for 251 passing yards and five touchdowns. Meanwhile sophomore RB ran for 104 yards on nine rushes.
Chance to beat Texas: 33.9%
Result: 35-3 win over Illinois State
How: Washington State transfer QB John Mateer took the game into his own hands, passing the ball 30-37 for 392 yards and three touchdowns. Senior WR Keontez Lewis was the go-to, catching nine passes for 119 yards and two touchdowns.
Chance to beat Texas: 17.2%
Result: 24-16 win over Toledo
How: It wasn’t a pretty win, but with a good defensive performance and 220 rushing yards, UK got it done.
Chance to beat Texas: 15%
Result: 34-17 win over Southern Miss
How: After a slow start, the Bulldogs got rolling, with QB Blake Shapen throwing for 270 yards on top of the 188 rushing yards and an interception that the rest of the team managed to acquire.
Chance to beat Texas: 11.7%
Result: 45-3 win over Charleston Southern
How: Star QB Diego Pavia picked up from where he left off last season, throwing for 275 yards on 20 completions, and rushing the ball for 44 yards on eight rushing attempts.
Chance to beat Texas: 6.9%
Result: 45-7 win over Marshall
How: New starting QB Gunner Stockton showed his ability as a dual-threat, passing for 190 yards and two touchdowns on just 14 completions to go with the 73 rushing yards he acquired, which led the team.
Chance to beat Texas: 54%
Result: 52-7 win over Alabama A&M
How: After a 7-10 score to close the first quarter, Arkansas QB Taylen Green was on fire, throwing for six touchdowns and 322 yards. He also rushed for 41 of the team’s 205 rushing yards.
Chance to beat Texas: 11.6%
Result: 42-24 win over UTSA
How: The Aggies’ offense was simply too much for UTSA, even though the Roadrunners scored in every quarter. QB Marcel Reed found his new go-to receiver in NC State transfer KC Concepcion, who had 122 of the team’s 291 receiving yards.
Chance to beat Texas: 21.6%
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