No. 1 Texas hosts unbeaten UTSA with Arch Manning, the offensive line and a veteran Roadrunners quarterback shaping the matchup in Austin.
Texas has already delivered one of the biggest wins of the young college football season. Now comes a different test.
The No. 1 Longhorns host UTSA on Saturday night in Austin, and this matchup is less about proving they can beat a dangerous opponent than proving they can handle success.
Texas enters 2-0 after rallying from a 20-point deficit to beat Ohio State 24-23, while UTSA also arrives unbeaten at 2-0.
For Steve Sarkisian’s team, the first priority is simple: settle Arch Manning back into rhythm.
Manning was named SEC Co-Offensive Player of the Week after the Ohio State comeback, but this week has brought plenty of attention away from football.
On the field, the senior quarterback has thrown for 500 yards through two games, and Texas needs him decisive, accurate and clean with the football before conference play ramps up.
Sarkisian has repeatedly stressed the importance of “staying in the moment,” and that message matters even more against an opponent Texas is expected to control.
The Longhorns should also have a major opportunity on the ground.
Hollywood Smothers leads Texas with 144 rushing yards, and the offensive line is coming off an encouraging performance against Ohio State.
UTSA has struggled to stop the run early this season, giving Texas a clear chance to establish physical control instead of asking Manning to carry the offense.
The more intriguing matchup could come when UTSA has the ball.
Owen McCown gives the Roadrunners something underdogs desperately need: experience at quarterback.
McCown, the son of longtime NFL quarterback Josh McCown, is in his third season as UTSA’s starter and has developed a reputation for protecting the football.
That challenges a Texas defense built to create mistakes.
Will Muschamp’s unit will have to pressure McCown without losing discipline, because UTSA’s best path to hanging around is controlling possession and avoiding giveaways.
Jeff Traylor knows exactly what his team is facing.
“We’re going to go play the No. 1 team in the country,” Traylor said this week. “Our kids are excited about it.”
Texas has won both previous meetings with UTSA, including a 56-7 rout in 2024.
The bigger challenge Saturday may be internal.
If Texas comes out sharp, controls the line of scrimmage and avoids turnovers, this can become a comfortable night quickly.
If the Longhorns start slowly, UTSA has enough experience at quarterback to make things uncomfortable.
After proving it can handle adversity against Ohio State, Texas now gets a chance to prove it can handle prosperity.
