Texas vs San Jose State Prediction: Now the Longhorns' Season Really Starts

Originally posted on College Football News
By Pete Fiutak | Last updated Sep 4, 2025 3:29 AM ET

Texas is going to be okay. At least, Texas is going to be okay for the next few weeks.

It was a tough 14-7 loss to the defending national champion on its home turf. But it was how the Longhorns lost.

It’s already been forgotten in the narrative that Texas had the ball with a chance to tie it late, but Arch Manning wasn’t great, the offense struggled, and the then-No. 1 team in the nation didn’t look the part.

The Ohio State game is over, and now it’s time to start fresh and go on a run with this, UTEP, and Sam Houston to roll through before beginning the SEC season at Florida.

On a far smaller stage, San Jose State suffered its own disappointment, dropping a home game 16-14 at home to Central Michigan. It gets Idaho and Stanford next.

Texas vs San Jose State Preview: Arch Manning Will Be Just Fine

Texas vs San Jose State How To Watch

Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: ABC
Location: DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX
@PeteFiutak
Week 2 Big Game Expert Picks

Why San Jose State Will Win

There’s pressure, and there’s what Texas is dealing with now.

It won’t be enough just to beat up San Jose State. After all of the criticism, anything less than total annihilation will do.

This is a good, well-coached Spartan team with a solid passing game and decent enough defense to be more than a speed bump.

So how did Ken Niumatalolo’s team lose to Central Michigan? Three turnovers, no takeaways, and too many missed chances. The defense was great on third downs, quarterback Walker Eget threw for over 300, and …

Why Texas Will Win

Completely and totally lost in the fist-shaking after the loss was a brilliant performance by the Texas defense. It gave up one big 40-yard touchdown pass on a great play by Buckeye wide receiver Carnell Tate. That was about it.

Ohio State only gained 163 yards on the day outside of that one pass. Granted, the Ohio State coaching staff kept things conservative, but Texas had a lot to do with that.

There wasn’t any running game in that, and San Jose State won’t run a lick in this. Oh yeah, and …

Texas Will Get the Arch Manning Performance We All Expect

Everyone, it will be fine.

The guy still has all the talent in the world. It was his major starting debut against a Buckeye defense loaded with NFL talent and coached up by defensive coordinator Matt Patricia.

Manning wasn’t accurate, and he looked and played like he was coached up to not screw up, rather than just let it rip. He’ll come out red hot, Texas will come up with a monster first quarter, and the screaming will turn into a dull murmur - for now.

Texas vs San Jose State Prediction, Betting Lines

Texas 48, San Jose State 6
Line: Texas -36.5, o/u: 52.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3
Must See Rating: 2.5

- CFN Week 2 Rankings | Bowl Projections
- Predicting Every Game For the 2025 Season
- Hot Seat Coaches | Grading the New QBs

Consensus Line from BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

This article first appeared on College Football News and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: