Why Texas Longhorns Can Beat Michigan Wolverines on Dec. 31

The Texas Longhorns can beat the Michigan Wolverines in the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve. Here’s how Texas can capitalize on Michigan’s chaos.

Texas Longhorns Can Beat Michigan Wolverines

Texas is widely considered the underdog, but its most recent performance against Texas A&M has shifted the betting line in its favor. Increased public interest in them has worked its way into the picture, giving them an advantage over Michigan on Dec. 31.

Both the Texas Longhorns and the Michigan Wolverines will come in hot with championship-caliber rosters. Although neither team had planned for the Citrus Bowl when the regular season started, both teams spent the season discovering how quickly momentum can evaporate. This shared reality arguably makes this upcoming matchup great.

Michigan’s resume looks solid on paper, but the structure isn’t. Michigan never really found its groove this season. Freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood had 2,229 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and six interceptions, but lacked consistency. And then there’s the coaching situation. Head coach Sherrone Moore was arrested and charged just hours after being fired for cause from the Big Ten university.

Texas’ playoff hopes slipped away, but Texas answered major questions, thanks to strong play with physicality, execution, and composure. Quarterback Arch Manning finished with 2,942 passing yards, 33 total touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Manning’s three straight games with 300+ yards were the real development, along with sharper command at the line of scrimmage.

Texas Longhorns’ Outlook

Texas’ outlook appears to be optimistic. If Texas practices discipline, spacing, and a quarterback who understands when to take what the defense gives him, then they can beat Michigan, a Big Ten team that appears to be lost. Of course, nothing is guaranteed. Michigan can beat Texas if it controls the clock, stays ahead of the chains, and forces the SEC team into predictable third-down situations.

Final Thoughts

Texas reportedly wants to stretch the game into open space and make Michigan chase. Yet, Michigan can respond by grinding the game out between the tackles. But Texas’s talent and options, such as in receiver depth, give them an edge entering the Citrus Bowl.