Could this be the year the question “is Texas back?” becomes a statement that they are back? Truthfully, they were back last year but some people may not be mature enough to admit that. The Longhorns would have started the season 7-0 if Quinn Ewers didn’t go down in the Alabama game and that hot start would have led to, at minimum, a ten win season. But you don’t gain any respect in college football talking about “what ifs” so Steve Sarkisian's crew is looking to prove Sam Ehlinger’s bold statement true…four years later.
On paper they have it all, 15 returning starters, a healthy star QB in Quinn Ewers, five UNITS on the offensive line, and what will be a top receiving corps. But, Texas has fallen short of preseason predictions for years now so it will take a lot more than a solid depth chart to get them where they want to be.
The one huge hole they have to fill was made by Bijan Robinson leaving for the NFL draft. Robinson averaged 6.3 yards per carry, had 41 touchdowns, and rushed for 3,410 yards over his three years with the Longhorns…AKA not someone you want to lose. Boy do they have options though. I think CJ Baxter will eventually win the job, but he might not be the starter in week 1. Either Jonathan Brooks, Keilan Robinson, or Jayden Blue will have that role. It seems like it will be a rotation styler backfield and whoever proves they want it the most, will win the job and see a bulk of the carries as the season ages.
The defense returns a big chunk of their unit, and most of their impact players as well. They led the nation last year in putting pressure on the opposing QB, and we can expect to see more of the same in 2023. They certainly will stand out in the Big 12, a conference known for high powered offense and sluggish defense. Texas has serious talent on both sides of the ball.
Prediction: I want to put Texas down for a 10 win season, but I just can’t. I believe the Big 12 will beat each other up this year, much like they do in basketball. A date at Alabama in week two will set the tone for this team and we will learn a lot about what is to come. 9-3.
How Many Games Will Texas Win In 2023?
9 or more
8 or less
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