Alex Dunlap
This team under Herman is impossible to predict. On one hand, I wouldn't necessarily be surprised if somehow the Horns pulled it off given Herman's history versus highly ranked opponents, well ... that's not really true now that I think about it, I would absolutely be surprised. I can't let the improvement I saw versus San Jose State fool me into believing the Spartans are anywhere near the Trojans out there in California talent-wise. Sam Darnold is the real deal and if the defense looks anything like it did versus Maryland (or even at times versus SJSU in the back end), Darnold will slice and dice.
USC 47 - Texas 31
Geoff Ketchum
Wrong game at the wrong time. There's no other way to look at this game, as a Texas team still trying to find itself in every phase of the game plays a top five team on the road with quarterback play that the Longhorns haven't seen in nine seasons. In order to win this game, the stars have to align in a way that's hard to expect. More than anything, this game comes down to the type of effort this team makes over 60 minutes because I think what we see on Saturday night is going to give us a glimpse of what the next nine games are going to be about. I think this team has 2 1/2 quarters of competitive fight in it, but I think the game breaks open in the second half.
USC 44 - Texas 24
Dustin McComas
Can Tom Herman make a locker room full of players with a history of more losing than winning believe they belong? And not only that, can Herman transform them to be the harder-hitting, tougher, more aggressive and confident team? I have my doubts, but Herman's underdog track record is great. If he can do that, Texas has a chance.
Beyond the mental state Texas takes the field with, the matchup offers some problems. Specifically, Texas hasn't proven able to get to the quarterback and has been unable to cover. That's a recipe for disaster against Sam Darnold. Then there's the QB situation too, although I think Texas can move the football some regardless of who is under center. But if the Longhorns don't establish a physical running game, they'll struggle.
There are too many questions to pick the huge upset.
USC 41 - Texas 23
Anwar Richardson
I feel like we have talked ourselves into believing Texas will somehow put together a miraculous victory over the past few years. We have given this to you the benefit of the doubt game after game, and each time we end up feeling like Charlie Brown after Lucy pulls the football away at the last moment. Seeing has to be believing.
There is no need for me to give you the list of reasons why Texas will likely struggle against USC. I think you already know. There is no need to state the obvious.
If it makes you feel any better, my predictions are usually wrong. Enjoy the victory, Texas fans.
USC 52 - Texas 35
Jason Suchomel
Once again, I don’t have a clue what to expect from this Texas team. Are the Longhorns more like the team that laid an egg against Maryland, or the team that shut out San Jose State last week? Until I see improved play against a quality opponent, I’m inclined to believe it’s the former.
I do think this game plays closer than the numbers would seem to indicate because I think the coaching staff will have the Longhorns ready for a huge game. Their track record backs that up, and I’m expecting it to continue on Saturday night. But USC is just too talented and with Texas having issues at the QB position, I think the Trojans pull away late.
USC 38 – Texas 24
******
This team under Herman is impossible to predict. On one hand, I wouldn't necessarily be surprised if somehow the Horns pulled it off given Herman's history versus highly ranked opponents, well ... that's not really true now that I think about it, I would absolutely be surprised. I can't let the improvement I saw versus San Jose State fool me into believing the Spartans are anywhere near the Trojans out there in California talent-wise. Sam Darnold is the real deal and if the defense looks anything like it did versus Maryland (or even at times versus SJSU in the back end), Darnold will slice and dice.
USC 47 - Texas 31
Geoff Ketchum
Wrong game at the wrong time. There's no other way to look at this game, as a Texas team still trying to find itself in every phase of the game plays a top five team on the road with quarterback play that the Longhorns haven't seen in nine seasons. In order to win this game, the stars have to align in a way that's hard to expect. More than anything, this game comes down to the type of effort this team makes over 60 minutes because I think what we see on Saturday night is going to give us a glimpse of what the next nine games are going to be about. I think this team has 2 1/2 quarters of competitive fight in it, but I think the game breaks open in the second half.
USC 44 - Texas 24
Dustin McComas
Can Tom Herman make a locker room full of players with a history of more losing than winning believe they belong? And not only that, can Herman transform them to be the harder-hitting, tougher, more aggressive and confident team? I have my doubts, but Herman's underdog track record is great. If he can do that, Texas has a chance.
Beyond the mental state Texas takes the field with, the matchup offers some problems. Specifically, Texas hasn't proven able to get to the quarterback and has been unable to cover. That's a recipe for disaster against Sam Darnold. Then there's the QB situation too, although I think Texas can move the football some regardless of who is under center. But if the Longhorns don't establish a physical running game, they'll struggle.
There are too many questions to pick the huge upset.
USC 41 - Texas 23
Anwar Richardson
I feel like we have talked ourselves into believing Texas will somehow put together a miraculous victory over the past few years. We have given this to you the benefit of the doubt game after game, and each time we end up feeling like Charlie Brown after Lucy pulls the football away at the last moment. Seeing has to be believing.
There is no need for me to give you the list of reasons why Texas will likely struggle against USC. I think you already know. There is no need to state the obvious.
If it makes you feel any better, my predictions are usually wrong. Enjoy the victory, Texas fans.
USC 52 - Texas 35
Jason Suchomel
Once again, I don’t have a clue what to expect from this Texas team. Are the Longhorns more like the team that laid an egg against Maryland, or the team that shut out San Jose State last week? Until I see improved play against a quality opponent, I’m inclined to believe it’s the former.
I do think this game plays closer than the numbers would seem to indicate because I think the coaching staff will have the Longhorns ready for a huge game. Their track record backs that up, and I’m expecting it to continue on Saturday night. But USC is just too talented and with Texas having issues at the QB position, I think the Trojans pull away late.
USC 38 – Texas 24
******
