Longhorns Wire staff predictions for Texas vs. West Virginia
Texas is looking for a bounce back performance on Saturday against West Virginia after suffering a heartbreaking loss to Texas Tech in overtime last week.
According to ESPN’s Football Power Index, the Longhorns have an 85.1% chance to defeat the Mountaineers in Austin this week. However, Texas is dealing with a few key injuries.
Star wide receiver Xavier Worthy suffered a lower body injury against Texas Tech and is considered day-to-day per head coach Steve Sarkisian. Starting quarterback Quinn Ewers returned to practice two weeks ago, but it doesn’t sound likely that he’s healthy enough to return yet.
Texas must find a way to win close games under Sarkisian. Beginning the season 0-2 in Big 12 play, in what is seemingly a tougher conference than last year, would likely have the Longhorns’ season spiral out of control.
Here’s a look at how confident the Longhorns Wire staff is in Texas to escape with a win against West Virginia this week.
CJ Mumme
This game feels like a must-win for Steve Sarkisian and Texas. The last thing the Longhorns need is to be 0-2 in Big 12 play with a rivalry matchup against the Oklahoma Sooners on deck.
Texas has an opportunity to right the ship vs. West Virginia at home on Saturday. Cleaning up many self-influenced errors would serve the Longhorns well against an opportunistic Mountaineers squad. Texas wins a close one behind a strong home crowd and a big game from the offense.
Prediction: Texas 38, West Virginia 35
Joey Hickey
I’m not certain Texas will win, but I think the players and coaching staff understand the gravity of the situation. Steve Sarkisian mentioned in his media availability that players are practicing with urgency. They need to play with urgency.
Texas is better at home than on the road. Hudson Card could utilize his running ability more in this game as running backs stretch the Mountaineer defense sideline to sideline in the passing game. This time the Longhorns cash in on their opportunities and win a close game.
Prediction: Texas 34, West Virginia 27
Cami Griffin
Prior to last week, I thought Texas would be the overwhelming favorite in this matchup. However, after the Longhorns failed to get off the field last week on fourth down and/or put the game away in the second half after leading 31-17, Texas’ struggles sound all too familiar and my confidence has diminished.
West Virginia is No. 5 nationally in fourth-down conversions this season, converting 9-of-10 attempts. Texas Tech converted 6-of-8 attempts on Texas last week, which ultimately played a key role in the loss.
I’d like to see Texas come out and maintain a solid level of play for four quarters and not be conservative when given a chance to put the game out of reach. Whether or not Quinn Ewers or Xavier Worthy play against WVU, I feel a big game coming from Bijan Robinson.
Prediction: Texas 34, West Virginia 28
Patrick Conn
The Texas Longhorns need to get a win this weekend against West Virginia after the fallout from Week 4 in Lubbock. The home cooking should do this team some good against a West Virginia team that has been up and down. They knocked off Virginia Tech their last time out but recently lost a game to Kansas in overtime.The Football Power Index from ESPN gives Texas a win probability of 85.1% and that feels about right. Given that Bijan Robinson’s fumble resulted in Texas Tech knocking them off in overtime last week, one should fully expect that he will bounce back in a big way. Look for No. 5 to put his stamp on this one.
Prediction: Texas 45, West Virginia 31
