Alex Dunlap
The Texas defense comes out looking more coordinated and clean than Texas fans have seen in any recent memory. The defensive line dominates the line of scrimmage, giving way for linebackers to come free and disrupt an inexperienced Maryland QB from the very start. The offense will come out clicking with only a few hiccups in the first half, but will come out of half a little cold as it responds to DJ Durkin's defensive adjustments. Texas covers. Barely.
Texas 40 - Maryland 21
Geoff Ketchum
I expect to see a Texas team that plays loose and free for the first time in a long time. I expect to see a more mature Texas team. I expect to see much improved special teams and defense. I expect Shane Buechele to throw three touchdowns. I expect a more disciplined football team. I expect sloppiness to decrease. I expect the defense to create a touchdown. I expect some style points in the Tom Herman debut.
Texas 38 - Maryland 10
Dustin McComas
Last year's No. 96 F/+ (FootballOutsiders.com) team in the country, Maryland projects to be a little bit better, but not much. So, the Longhorns should look up in the third quarter and be in complete control of the game with a hint of domination to come.
While I expect the offense to be a little sluggish early, Todd Orlando's group will come out and make a loud statement in the first quarter. Maryland (No. 13 in S&P+ Rushing last season but No. 101 in S&P+ Passing) wants to run the football, and can't move the ball through the air. Orlando knows that, and will exploit it, giving the offense short fields.
Expect Texas to test Maryland by running at it. The Terps ranked No. 127 in S&P+ Rush Defense (out of 128) last season, and the Longhorns will be able to establish the run, or at the very least create some favorable passing situations because of the threat of the run.
Texas fans will be pleased after the game as their team has complete control for the final two and a half quarters.
Texas 48 - Maryland 17
Anwar Richardson
The Tom Herman era begins in style. I am not expecting perfection in the first quarter, but think we will see flashes of brilliance. It is just a matter of time before Todd Orlando's defense takes over and shuts down Maryland's offense. Maryland may have a mobile quarterback, but Orlando had speed on his side of the ball. Texas will have at least five sacks on Saturday. In addition, Shane Buechele throws for three touchdowns.
Texas 45 - Maryland 20
Jason Suchomel
For the past couple weeks, I’ve thought this one might play closer than people expect. Then I broke down the match-ups this week and really couldn’t find a single area in which I could give Maryland the edge. I’m expecting some sluggish moments being that it’s the first game, but I think the defense plays extremely well and Texas is pretty much on cruise control in the second half. A late score by Maryland makes it look closer than it really was.
Texas 34 – Maryland 17
******
Now, for the only prediction you all really care about ...
The Texas defense comes out looking more coordinated and clean than Texas fans have seen in any recent memory. The defensive line dominates the line of scrimmage, giving way for linebackers to come free and disrupt an inexperienced Maryland QB from the very start. The offense will come out clicking with only a few hiccups in the first half, but will come out of half a little cold as it responds to DJ Durkin's defensive adjustments. Texas covers. Barely.
Texas 40 - Maryland 21
Geoff Ketchum
I expect to see a Texas team that plays loose and free for the first time in a long time. I expect to see a more mature Texas team. I expect to see much improved special teams and defense. I expect Shane Buechele to throw three touchdowns. I expect a more disciplined football team. I expect sloppiness to decrease. I expect the defense to create a touchdown. I expect some style points in the Tom Herman debut.
Texas 38 - Maryland 10
Dustin McComas
Last year's No. 96 F/+ (FootballOutsiders.com) team in the country, Maryland projects to be a little bit better, but not much. So, the Longhorns should look up in the third quarter and be in complete control of the game with a hint of domination to come.
While I expect the offense to be a little sluggish early, Todd Orlando's group will come out and make a loud statement in the first quarter. Maryland (No. 13 in S&P+ Rushing last season but No. 101 in S&P+ Passing) wants to run the football, and can't move the ball through the air. Orlando knows that, and will exploit it, giving the offense short fields.
Expect Texas to test Maryland by running at it. The Terps ranked No. 127 in S&P+ Rush Defense (out of 128) last season, and the Longhorns will be able to establish the run, or at the very least create some favorable passing situations because of the threat of the run.
Texas fans will be pleased after the game as their team has complete control for the final two and a half quarters.
Texas 48 - Maryland 17
Anwar Richardson
The Tom Herman era begins in style. I am not expecting perfection in the first quarter, but think we will see flashes of brilliance. It is just a matter of time before Todd Orlando's defense takes over and shuts down Maryland's offense. Maryland may have a mobile quarterback, but Orlando had speed on his side of the ball. Texas will have at least five sacks on Saturday. In addition, Shane Buechele throws for three touchdowns.
Texas 45 - Maryland 20
Jason Suchomel
For the past couple weeks, I’ve thought this one might play closer than people expect. Then I broke down the match-ups this week and really couldn’t find a single area in which I could give Maryland the edge. I’m expecting some sluggish moments being that it’s the first game, but I think the defense plays extremely well and Texas is pretty much on cruise control in the second half. A late score by Maryland makes it look closer than it really was.
Texas 34 – Maryland 17
******
Now, for the only prediction you all really care about ...
