The Longhorns are in a bit of an unenviable position, breaking in two new coordinators without the benefit of spring practice. COVID-19 has caused much upheaval to WATCH LIVE FREE NOW the normal operations of a football program, including three weekly tests to ensure the team remains healthy. Thankfully, both Texas and UTEP were reportedly cleared to play Saturday after a healthy round of testing Friday.
Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic and the difficulties it has brought to the college football world, the only nonconference contest for No. 14 Texas is its opener against UTEP. And while this isn’t the flashy showdown like the Longhorns’ game vs. LSU would have been, it’s college football,and we should just be grateful for that right now.
Mismatched games like these don’t usually tell us a lot about the favorite, but it will be interesting to see how Texas looks given the disrupted offseason. The Longhorns, after all, have hopes of getting back to the Big 12 Championship Game — and beyond — so stumbling out of the gate in any way against the Miners would be more revealing than anything.
Meanwhile, the Miners have struggled mightily the last few seasons. They have managed just two wins in the last three seasons, but are hoping for better days ahead under coach Dana Dimel. The Miners won their opener against Stephen F. Austin a week ago and having that extra work and confidence after a win could them in this tough spot.
So who wins on Saturday night in Austin and what are the top storylines to follow? Let’s take a closer look at this matchup and make some expert picks both straight up and against the spread.
