Texas Longhorns vs. BYU Cougars Game Predictions
The Texas Longhorns are entering Saturday's game against the BYU Cougars without their star quarterback Quinn Ewers under center.
However, the Longhorns still have everything to play for, and new starter Maalik Murphy will be ready to go.
Meanwhile, the Cougars will be coming off of an impressive 27-14 win over Texas Tech last week and will have confidence facing an inexperienced signal-caller.
Texas is 1-4 all-time against BYU, losing in back-to-back years in both 1987-88 and 2013-14. The Longhorns' lone victory against the Cougars came in a 17-16 slugfest in 2011.
Find out below if the Longhorns Country staff thinks Texas will snap its losing streak against BYU.
Matt Galatzan, Managing Editor and Publisher
Texas might not have Quinn Ewers on Saturday, but I believe Maalik Murphy is ready for the challenge. He has all the tools - including the intangibles - the be successful in Steve Sarkisian's offense. All that is left is for him to go out and prove it.
And in conjunction with a strong rushing attack, and plenty of reliable pass catchers to spread the ball around to, I think Murphy will do just that. Texas wins comfortably.
Texas 37, BYU 13
Cole Thompson, Staff Writer
Really? You want about the Cougars, a program that always seems to defy expectations? A program so well-coached that in Year 1 of joining the program, it's a win away from being bowl eligible? A program that continues to find itself ranked at some point every season?
Yes. Murphy's strong second half gives the Longhorns the edge at home. Still, Kalani Sitake will have BYU ready to fight early. The Cougars just won't pull away late.
Texas 34, BYU 24
Tori Garcia, Staff Writer
According to FPI, facing the Longhorns will be BYU's most challenging opponent all season. Before the Oct. 28 matchup in Austin, BYU would have played consecutive games against TCU and Texas Tech, which could possibly be draining already, so an away game in Austin following those matchups could be tough. BYU could put up a competitive fight against the Longhorns, but if Texas is living up consistently to the preseason hype buzzing around through the end of October, the Longhorns will pull off a victory.
Texas 38, BYU 24
Kevin Borba, Staff Writer
This is a welcome to the big stage moment for Maalik Murphy, who is filling in for the absent Quinn Ewers. I expect Steve Sarkisian to take the pressure off of him and lean heavily on Texas' stable of running backs to wear down new Big 12 foe, BYU. Murphy has just eight career passes, and I expect there to be some growing pains, and some chants for Arch Manning from the fans.
I think Texas wins an ugly one again thanks to a strong showing from the defense.
Texas 28, BYU 14