Longhorns Set to Open Season Against No. 8 Razorbacks

The Longhorns kick off their College Baseball Showdown weekend with a matchup against the Razorbacks.

The start of the college baseball season is officially upon us, folks, and the Texas Longhorns are starting their season against Arkansas in the College Baseball Showdown. 

It will be a new look Texas team, one that lost seven of its nine starters from the most historic offense in program history. Most notably, the Longhorns must replace the production of Golden Spikes winner Ivan Melendez. 

Despite the departing talent, though, there is reason to be optimistic about what Texas can do this season. Leading the way on opening night will be lefty Lucas Gordon, who is primed to be the staff ace for Texas this season. 

One game won't define the Longhorns' season, but it will tell us a bit about what to expect from this team. 

Now, look no further than here for everything you need to know about the game, from how to watch to a breakdown of Arkansas. 

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What: Texas Longhorns vs. No. 8 Arkansas Razorbacks 

When: Friday Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. CT

Where: Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX

How to watch: FloBaseball.TV

How to listen: TexasSports.com/audio

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Arkansas by the numbers

2022 record: 46-21

2022 RPI: 20

2022 Team Avg.: .276

2022 Team ERA: 4.07

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Arkansas wins this game if...

Their pitching staff can shut down a Texas offense that looks a lot different than it did last season. The biggest question mark for the Longhorns this year will be how their offense can handle the departure of talent. If the Razorbacks pitching staff can shut them down, it could be a long opening night for Texas.

Texas wins this game if...

Lucas Gordon picks up exactly where he left off last season when he burst onto the scene. He's in line to be Texas' staff ace this season and for good reason, as he finished last season with a 7-2 record and a 3.05 ERA. Gordon putting together a gem of a game will allow the young offense to find its footing in the first game of the season.

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You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98

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