Texas Longhorns vs. BYU Cougars Game Predictions

The Texas Longhorns are 1-4 all-time against the BYU Cougars and on an active two-game losing streak.
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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.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Maalik Murphy (6) looks to pass the ball during the third quarter against the Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium.
Texas Longhorns QB Maalik Murphy drops back to pass vs. Houston / Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

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


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Matt Galatzan
MATT GALATZAN

Matt Galatzan is the Managing Editor and Publisher of Texas Longhorns On SI and Texas A&M Aggies On SI and a long-time member of the Football Writer’s Association of America. He graduated from the University of Mississippi, where he studied integrated marketing communications, with minors in journalism and business administration. Galatzan started in the sports journalism industry in 2014 covering the Dallas Mavericks and SMU Mustangs with 247Sports. He then moved to Sports Illustrated's Fan Nation network in 2020, eventually being taking over as the Managing Editor and Publisher of the Longhorns and Aggies sites a year later. You can find Galatzan on all major social media channels, including Twitter on @MattGalatzan.