Five bold predictions for Texas’ Week 5 game against TCU
The Longhorns have picked up momentum after dropping a 70-burger on Texas Tech last week, but they will have to show up in a big way in order to beat TCU in Week 5.
It seems as if whenever Texas plays a great game one week, they have major issues of replicating the success the following week. If the Longhorns can string together a good performance against TCU, they would have three consecutive wins under their belt and it will likely have them jump back into the AP Top 25.
This game is a test of how much the team has improved as a whole, but also how far the new culture under Steve Sarkisian has come. TCU has dominated the Longhorns as of late, winning seven of the last nine matchups. The Horned Frogs are also coming off a very heated loss to SMU that has Gary Patterson fuming over a flag planting injury and the rights to his song.
If Texas comes in and performs as well they have been on offense, while being able to contain Max Duggan and Zach Evans on defense, this game could be the end of TCU’s win streak over Texas.
Last week’s bold predictions were a raging success, let’s see if I can keep my hot streak alive.
Texas scores at least 45 points
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The Longhorns are averaging a shade over 45 points per game on the season, and the offense with Casey Thompson at quarterback has been nearly unstoppable. It helps that Texas can force-feed any one of their four elite running backs, which are big plays waiting to happen any time they touch the ball.
TCU has yet to give up 45 or more points, but SMU was able to score 42 against them. If Thompson, who is completing an absurd 78% of his passes, can continue to protect the ball and lead the team down field, Texas’ offense is in a great spot. TCU has given up over 400 yards the past two games, and is looking like they may have one a more vulnerable defense than we’re used to seeing.
Bijan Robinson will outgain Zach Evans
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These two former five-stars were the No. 1 and No. 2 ranked backs in the 2020 class, and have both been stars for their teams thus far. As of right now, Bijan Robinson has 100 more rushing yards and 61 more receiving yards. While Evans was suspended for part of the first game, and TCU has played one less game, Robinson has been pulled early out of the past two games due to blowout wins, so it is likely his lead would be even larger.
Robinson is poised to be a Heisman finalist if he keeps his play up, and he is a much bigger factor in the passing game for Texas then Evans is for TCU. This is probably the best head-to-head running back matchup we will see all season across college football.
Texas defense records three sacks
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Texas’ defense was thrashed the last time they faced off with a quarterback that likes to scramble, and Max Duggan is very much a runner. While his passing has improved immensely, he still has a tendency to scramble.
Steve Sarkisian expressed to the media that they will likely be spying Duggan all game, preventing him from being able to run all over them. The defense did not record any sacks against Arkansas’ K.J. Jefferson, but I am being bold and predicting they learned from their mistakes that game and will dial up some pressure to bring Duggan down in the backfield. Maybe throwing a couple I-formation rushes at him will confuse him and work in their favor again.
Casey Thompson throws for at least 250 yards
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The Longhorns quarterback has found nothing but success so far in his first two starts, but he has yet to face a challenging defense. TCU is known for their stout defenses, and although they have been giving up over 400 yards a game in their last two, they are only allowing an average of 210 passing yards.
Thompson has proven in his small sample size that he is very smart with the ball for the most part, and that he is capable of making the right throws. Sarkisian emphasized that they would be practicing deep balls this week in practice, so what better time to connect on a few than against a team who prides themselves on defense.
D'Shawn Jamison gets an interception
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The senior corner was on the wrong side of multiple deep balls against Texas Tech that saw the Red Raiders capitalize on it for touchdowns or long gains. His counterpart, Josh Thompson, recorded an interception last week and was able to return it for a touchdown.
I’m predicting a bounce back performance for Jamison, whether he starts the game or not, that will also include him grabbing his first interception of the season. If anyone on the defense needs a breakout game to build his confidence up, it would be Jamison. He will be tasked with covering a couple very good receivers in Taye Barber and Quentin Johnston, and if he has a performance like last week, graduate transfer Darion Dunn may take away some more of his reps.
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