Expert predictions for Texas Longhorns at Vanderbilt Commodores

What are Longhorns fans getting this week? The prevailing Texas terror that tore through the first six games of the year, or the pedestrian chaos that greeted Georgia in Austin last week?

It's safe to say that Vanderbilt doesn't have the same football team as Georgia. The Bulldogs, who were shaky a few weeks ago, looked just like the previous season's No. 1 team against UT. Of course, Alabama beat Georgia, but then turned around and lost to Vandy. Texas will try to reverse this result.

Quinn Ewers looked lost last week. The Georgia defense he faced might be the best defense Ewers has ever faced. Certainly the fastest. Ewers fought. The junior signal caller didn't look particularly good in big plays against Oklahoma either. His abdominal muscle injury could remain.

Bringing Ewers back to “Michigan Ewers” ​​is one of Texas coach Steve Sarkisian’s main tasks in the final half of the season.

DALLAS, TEXAS – OCTOBER 12: Quinn Ewers #3 of the Texas Longhorns throws the ball during the second quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at Cotton Bowl Stadium on October 12, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

After their first loss of the season, the Longhorns are back in action on Saturday against Vanderbilt. The Longhorns enter this matchup as clear favorites against a Commodores team that has won three straight. For Texas, the key is to avoid a slow start.

Last week against Georgia, the Longhorns fell 23-0 in the first half before the offense came to life. Although they played much better in the second half, they were unable to recover and fell in their toughest test of the season.

They will be highly motivated to put last week in the rearview mirror, which will make life more difficult for the Commodores. This is a big game for Quinn Ewers, who was substituted in the second half last week and will be without some of his best weapons. Expect the Longhorns to come out in full force and remember why they were ranked as the best team in the country just a few weeks ago.

Final result: Texas 34, Vanderbilt 10

There's a quarterback question simmering in Texas after last week's loss to Georgia: Will Quinn Ewers or Arch Manning take over? Most likely Quinn, but could it be possible we'll see Arch if things don't go well? A lot could depend on the mood of the home crowd heading into the game against Vanderbilt.

If Vanderbilt's fans have serious energy — think Alabama or Georgia levels — this game could go all the way. But if Texas' defense shakes them up early, it could be over by halftime. All Texas really needs is for Quinn or Arch to make a few solid plays in the first half, and they'll be in good shape to take control after that.

Final result: Texas 31, Vanderbilt 17

A lot depends on Quinn Ewers. How will he react after being left out of the Georgia game for a few series? He responded well at the start of the second half. Are Texas' problems against the Bulldogs an isolated incident? A hint of trouble ahead? Or is Texas just vulnerable to a top-five caliber team? Is Ewers still dealing with such a lingering abdominal injury?

Vanderbilt is much better than it has been in the past. They are obviously on a positive path and have one of the biggest wins in school history under their belt. But I don't think they're good enough to beat a highly motivated Texas team. The Horns may have some confidence issues early on, but they'll shake it off and get back on track with a win.

Final result: Texas 31, Vanderbilt 24