UL Monroe Warhawks vs. Texas Longhorns Pick & Prediction SEPTEMBER 21st 2024

Preview and Prediction

The top-ranked Texas Longhorns will demonstrate their impressive depth and strive to continue their progress as they welcome Louisiana-Monroe to Austin for their final warm-up before SEC play. Texas (3-0) claimed the No. 1 spot in the Associated Press Top 25 poll this week after a dominant 56-7 victory over UTSA on Saturday. The Longhorns, who were previously ranked No. 2, surpassed Georgia after the Bulldogs narrowly defeated Kentucky later that evening.

This is the first time Texas has held the top spot in the poll since the middle of the 2008 season, when they finished with a 12-1 record and a No. 4 ranking after defeating Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl. Head coach Steve Sarkisian stated that his team has not placed much emphasis on the ranking and will not dwell on it.

"In the past, the polls held significant weight as they determined who would compete for a national championship and ultimately, who would win it. Now, you have to earn it," Sarkisian explained. "Our players don't even discuss it. They are focused on improving their game."

The Longhorns dominated UTSA with a 614-260 advantage in total yardage, showcasing their impressive offensive capabilities. Freshman quarterback Arch Manning, one of the most highly-touted backup quarterbacks in the nation, made his debut and threw four touchdowns in just two quarters of play. Manning completed nine of his 12 passes for 223 yards and also ran for a 67-yard touchdown, causing the Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium to erupt with excitement.

Manning was named SEC Co-Freshman of the Week for his performance and is expected to start against ULM on Saturday as starting quarterback Quinn Ewers is questionable with a strained oblique.

The Warhawks (2-0) have shown improvement under first-year head coach Bryant Vincent but will face a tough challenge against the deep and talented Longhorns. ULM had a bye week on Sept. 14 after a dominant 32-6 victory over UAB on Sept. 7. The Warhawks recorded 296 yards of offense, including 209 rushing yards, and finished the game with 22 unanswered points, including a safety and a 30-yard interception return for a touchdown.

"We have quickly established a strong culture here," Vincent stated. "Our players have great relationships with each other and with the coaches. They play for each other and for Monroe, Louisiana."

ULM began their season with a win against Jackson State and is looking to start the season with two consecutive victories for the second year in a row. Last season, they finished with a 2-10 record.

"We need to remember what has brought us to this point and continue to work hard and stay focused," Vincent emphasized. "There is no need for us to change anything now."

While ULM may not have a quarterback as well-known as Manning, they do have one with a unique name - General Booty. The junior quarterback has thrown for 191 yards and one touchdown in the Warhawks' first two games.

PREDICTION

UL Monroe Warhawks

Texas Longhorns