The Texas Longhorns host West Virginia for a Big 12 matchup against a Mountaineers team that narrowly missed upsetting TCU last week.
West Virginia beat Baylor three weeks ago, and the Mountaineers are in the top 25 thanks to that upset victory. Texas is looking for an upset of their own after beating West Virginia last year.
Records:
Texas: 4-5 (3-3 Big 12)
West Virginia: 6-3 (4-2 Big 12)
Last Meeting: Texas won 47-40 in 2013
Texas Outlook: The Longhorns are coming off a 34-13 victory over Texas Tech, and are in a position to get back to .500 if they can beat West Virginia.
This team continues to be relatively inconsistent from week to week, although quarterback Tyrone Swoopes seems to have settled in at quarterback, having turned the ball over just once in his last three games.
The defense continues to carry the team though, as they have allowed just 23 points per game this year.
West Virginia Outlook: The Mountaineers continue to hang around with some of the nation's top teams, though it has resulted in a 1-3 record versus top 25 teams this year.
In fact, WV's losses to the number two, four and seven teams in the country make up their only defeats of the season.
Clint Trickett continues to impress as he closes in on 3,000 yards passing for the season. He has thrown 18 touchdowns and seven picks so far.
What to watch for: The Longhorns have a shot in this game only if they can stop Trickett's arm. Texas doesn't have the offense to compete with the Mountaineers if Trickett posts big numbers.
That leaves the pressure on the defense to step up and slow down a West Virginia team that hasn't had much problem scoring points all year.
What they're saying:
Texas DT Malcolm Brown will assess draft status after season (Burnt Orange Nation)
Can Texas win in a shootout? Horns say yes (Austin Statesman)
Prediction:
Texas - 23, West Virginia - 35
The Mountaineers probably have too much offense for the Longhorns to keep up with if this game gets into the 30 point range. Texas has shown some improvements offensively, but they remain too inconsistent to prove they can win a high scoring affair.
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