Predicting Week Two

The 1964 Rice v UT program cover. Rice was looking to upset the reigning National Champions but fell short after a tight battle 10-3.

 Week one is in the books! While there weren’t too many surprises, we did discover some answers, but we also have plenty of new questions. For instance, TCU – what should we think of them? Will they end up melding into the monster of destruction they were last year or will they simply be a dangerous team that never really puts it all together?

At Baylor, we got a definitive answer on whether or not Seth Russell would be able to become the latest great Bear quarterback (it was a yes) but what will the Baylor defense be? Will they be the defense that surrendered 21 points in the first half while limping to a seven point lead or will they be the second half defense that pitched a shutout?

​Perhaps most intriguing of all is Texas A&M. They put on quite the show in Houston but we might have just as many questions about the Aggies today as we did a week ago. While the Aggie defense played an incredible game and new defensive coordinator John Chavis looks worth his $1.5 million dollar price tag, the A&M offense struggled. The offensive line appeared to have many problems and while the Aggies showed a renewed dedication to the run game, it left plenty to be desired. Will the TAMU defense be able to keep up this level of play? Will the Aggie offense be able to find itself? If so, the Aggies promise to be a potent force in this year’s SEC battle.

Saturday September 12

Kansas State @ UTSA, 11:00 AM, FOXS1

After playing a tight game against Arizona (42-32) the Roadrunners return to San Antonio to face the Snydercats. If you missed it (http://www.tshof.org/news/?article_id=608), I was pretty impressed with this UTSA squad. Kansas State did pitch a shutout against their week one opponent, South Dakota. Despite the lopsided score, the stats between K State and South Dakota were incredibly even. If the South Dakota Coyotes can move the ball effectively through the air against KSU, then Bogenschutz and the Roadrunners shouldn’t have a problem – UTSA wins 31-24.

Houston @ Louisville, 11:00 AM, ESPN 3

Houston showed the offensive fireworks we all expected in week one as they put up 52. Louisville endured a slugfest against #6 Auburn only to fall short 31-24 (Louisville probably lost seven points just because of those awful uniforms http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/06/louisville_will_wear_these_wil.html). Will Louisville be worn down after a physical game or will they bounce back after an emotional letdown? I’m as excited about Tom Herman as anyone but Petrino at home might be too much for a year one coach – Louisville wins 38-35.

UTEP @ Texas Tech, 2:00 PM, FOX

UTEP had an incredible hill to climb in week one as they faced a powerful Arkansas squad. Texas Tech entered a shootout against perennial FCS power Sam Houston State. Last year, we watched as teams faltered the week after they played Arkansas, worn by the Razorbacks power-grind style. Look for a similar effect this year, something UTEP won’t be able to handle as the Red Raiders throw early and often – TTU wins 49-27.

Stephen F. Austin @ TCU, 2:30 PM, FOXS1

​It has been thoroughly documented by every media source from Minneapolis to Waco – TCU looked far from their normal selves in week one. There is one undeniable fact though, TCU is 1-0 and secured a victory against a solid opponent in an away game. If the Horned Frogs are still undefeated in December, the way they played against Minnesota will be inconsequential. One thing’s for certain, TCU will still be undefeated entering week three – TCU wins 35-10.

JFK speaks at Rice Stadium

Prairie View A&M @ Texas State, 6:00 PM, ESPN 3

I had Texas State losing to Florida State last week 52-20. The actual score was 59-16, however, the thing that really shocked me was that it was 21-10 at half. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to watch this game, but obviously Franchione and the Bobcats had a solid scheme going in the first 30 minutes before superior athletes took over down the stretch. They’ll pick up the win this week – Texas State wins 41-24.

UNT @ SMU, 6:00 PM, ESPN 3

Speaking of an impressive first 30 minutes, how about the Mustangs? For one half of football, it looked like SMU was going to force Baylor into a shootout that wouldn’t be decided until the very end. Quarterback Matt Davis was thriving while Courtland Sutton was stretching the field. UNT was off week one, so they will have fresh legs coming into this one. Chad Morris will finish what the Mustangs started this week – SMU wins 42-28.

Ball State @ Texas A&M, 6:00 PM, ESPNU

What will be the higher number – Kyle Allen’s touchdown total or Myles Garrett’s sack total? After producing a team total of 9 sacks last week (the highest total since a 1995 game against Texas Tech when the Aggies had 10), Chavis, Garrett and the Texas A&M defense might look to set a program record this week. Will the Aggie offense be back on track? There is still plenty left to discover when it comes to this year’s Texas A&M team – TAMU wins 56-13.

Lamar @ Baylor, 6:30 PM, FSN

​What is there to even say here? The most interesting story might be how long the Baylor starters play. Shawn Oakman will look to have a monster game after being suspended week one. Seth Russell and the Bear offense play one series after halftime. It takes 3 plays and 58 seconds to go 75 yards for the score – Baylor wins 59-10.

Rice @ Texas, 7:00 PM, Longhorn Network

President John F. Kennedy once gave a speech comparing the difficulties man would face going to space, to the difficulties of Rice beating UT in football. UT leads the all-time series 71-21-1. From 1966 to 1993, the Longhorns won 28 consecutive games. After the Owls posted an upset in 1994, the game has gone back to a long stretch of dominance by the Orange and White. Charlie Strong was clearly outraged after the ‘Horns were outclassed by Notre Dame in week one. However, a continuously sputtering Longhorn offense allows Rice their second victory in the last 50 years – Rice wins 38-31.

My Year-to-Date Record

10-0

My All-Time Record

​10-0

Texas v. Non-Texas Opponent Record (Year-to-Date)

4-4

*Division I FBS Texas teams

(These are solely the opinions of Ryan Sprayberry and do not represent the thoughts or beliefs of the Texas Sports Hall of Fame)