Another tune-up before SEC play is on the horizon, as the UL-Monroe Warhawks (2-0) will attempt to rattle the top-ranked Texas Longhorns (3-0) on Saturday, September 21 at 8:00 PM ET at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. The Longhorns are heavily favored, with a point spread at -44.5 (-115).
The Warhawks are undefeated through two games so far, but that is going to end against the Longhorns. While they took care of UAB and Jackson State, neither one of those teams is even close to comparing the same level of competition for the Longhorns.
They are averaging 31.0 points per game and allowing 10.0 from their opponents so far. This is appealing for a team that will likely struggle to gain 10 points on the board by halftime against a suffocating Longhorns' defense.
Their offense looks good on paper, but they have not played against quality defense just yet. On top of that, their defense has yet to stop a legit top-25 team.
History is not on their side either, as the Warhawks have lost their last 15 consecutive games against SEC teams. Even though the Longhorns are new members of the SEC, this will be no surprise for the outcome.
The Longhorns will be without Quinn Ewers under center for this matchup. After suffering an abdominal strain against UTSA, Arch Manning had to step in to finish the game for him.
Ewers will be taking the time off here to rest and recover before SEC play begins. Manning did an excellent job at taking over on short notice. He compiled 223 yards while completing 75 percent of his passes.
In addition, Manning found the endzone four times while running once in just under three-quarters of action. The offense can run just fine with Manning, which will appeal for the spread.
The Longhorns have been averaging 46.3 points per game and allowing 6.3 from opposing teams. The only "close" game they had was a 31-12 over the defending Champions Michigan Wolverines.
Against the UTSA and Colorado State, they have been massive blowouts. The Longhorns easily covered the spread in those games very quickly, rising up to a 28-point lead in no time at the half.
MyBookie offers excellent college football odds for the UL-Monroe Warhawks vs. Texas Longhorns showdown. Current odds have the Longhorns as 44.5-point favorites. Market trends are favoring the Longhorns to win, with a 99.0 percent success rate.
Fans have waited to see what Arch Manning could do and if the football bloodline will be as strong here. The Longhorns have elite prospects in many offensive positions, so Manning should be able to find them with ease.
