The Texas Longhorns are coming off an inconsistent season that saw them fall from conference frontrunners to middle of the pack. Beating Utah was one of the few bright spots from an otherwise disappointing year. 

However, 2020 was built to be a rebound season. Quarterback Sam Ehlinger is a senior and the Longhorns return the vast majority of defensive production, especially on the back end. Adding 5-star running back Bijan Robinson to a lethal room of skill talent could make all the difference. 

Few teams will be impacted by not having spring practice as much as Texas, which has two new coordinators and a plethora of new assistants. Here’s how we see the Longhorns’ 2020 season unfolding. 

Sept. 5: USF

The Longhorns face off against the Bulls in a battle of bovine programs that were previously coached by Charlie Strong. The Texas version, as usual, will reign supreme. 

Prediction: Win (1-0)

Sept. 12: at LSU

It would have been nice to get the 2020 version of this game at home instead of 2019. While dueling with Joe Burrow at DKR was an unforgettable moment, it faded into the background of an otherwise disappointing season. Now, the Longhorns travel to Death Valley to face off with the national champs. Forget all the losses, LSU is still insanely talented. 

Prediction: Loss (1-1)

Sept. 19: UTEP

The Miners will come to Austin, get their payout and go home. 

Prediction: Win (2-1)

Oct. 3: at Kansas State

Kansas State continuously has success against a far more talented Texas team. However, the Longhorns are just too experienced and too good for Chris Klieman’s squad to take advantage. 

Prediction: Win (3-1)

Oct. 10: Oklahoma (at Cotton Bowl)

Texas vs. Oklahoma games always have a chance to be wacky, and this one should live up to that. The Sooners will likely start a redshirt freshman quarterback who has never played in the Red River Showdown. Texas, on the other hand, brings back dynamic QB Sam Ehlinger. The experience gap will make all the difference. 

Prediction: Win (4-1)

Oct. 17: West Virginia

Don’t overlook this game. The Mountaineers have one of the best defensive line duos in the nation in the Stills brothers. If Texas’ offensive line is still working through some growing pains, they’ll cause havoc. With Herb Hand entering year three, though, the Longhorns will be further along. 

Prediction: Win (5-1)

Oct. 24: at Texas Tech

Night games in Lubbock are always something different, and this could be that. The last time the Longhorns played at Jones AT&T, it took Lil’Jordan Humphrey virtually remaking the Michael Crabtree catch to send Texas to a win. There isn’t a Humphrey on the roster this year. 

Prediction: Loss (5-2)

Oct. 31: Baylor

Last season’s performance against Baylor was devastating, and played a big role in key staff turnover after the season. This time, there will be no questions about motivation. The Bears are in rebuilding mode and Texas is in revenge mode. 

Prediction: Win (6-2)

Nov. 7: at Kansas

There’ll be no playing with food this time around. The Longhorns will be prepared for Brett Dearman’s RPO offense and will refuse to give up 48 points again. 

Prediction: Win (7-2)

Nov. 14: TCU

The revenge tour continues for the third straight week. The Horned Frogs used a surprising performance from Max Duggan to beat the Longhorns last season. With film on Duggan’s legs and a more experienced secondary, that won’t happen again. 

Prediction: Win (8-2)

Nov. 21: Iowa State

The matchup against ISU ranks as one of the most important games of the 2020 season. The Cyclones have come ever so close to breaking through the glass ceiling and reaching true Big 12 contention. The Longhorns are trying to hold their place. A great crowd will be critical. 

Prediction: Win (9-2)

Nov. 27: at Oklahoma State

Everything will come down to this final game. The Longhorns and Cowboys will both have a shot at a Big 12 championship game berth. This game brings together the best players in the Big 12, as Sam Ehlinger goes against Oklahoma State’s Chuba Hubbard and Tylan Wallace. Black Friday will feature an absolute slobberknocker. 

Prediction: Loss (9-3)

Bowl Game: Camping World Bowl vs. North Carolina

It’s a family reunion as the Texas Longhorns travel to the East Coast to face off against former coach Mack Brown and his North Carolina team. UNC QB Sam Howell is a name to know; he exploded for 3,641 yards, 38 touchdowns and seven interceptions as a true freshman. However, Texas’ secondary is up for the challenge. 

Prediction: Win (10-3)

Final Record: 10-3, 7-2

Texas can get back to 10 wins and competition for the Big 12 championship if things go how we project. Plus, losses against Texas Tech, Oklahoma State and LSU are all games that could go either direction. By any measure, this would be a strong season. 

Would this be enough to keep Tom Herman off the hot seat? It’s hard to say. Ten wins is ten wins. The only guys since Darrell K. Royal to reach 10 wins in multiple seasons are Fred Akers and Mack Brown. But still, Sam Ehlinger leaving campus without a conference championship would be a tough break. ???????