I thought one might pick LSU, but it was not to be.

Alex Dunlap (1-0)

The game comes down to two things: how a surging Texas OL responds to success versus La Tech and translates it to a superior opponent, and to what extent the Texas defense can contain a quality SEC signal caller with minimal breakdowns on the back end. Texas handles its business.

Texas 31 LSU 27

Geoff Ketchum (1-0)

The reason why having one of the best quarterbacks in the nation is so important is for games just like this. While I'm expecting a Big 12 shootout to break out at DKR on Saturday, the biggest advantage in this game is the one the Longhorns have at quarterback. Sam Ehlinger has been to the circus and seen all of the clowns in these type of big games. I'm expecting him to be the difference in an otherwise air-tight contest.

Texas 41 - LSU 37

Dustin McComas (1-0)

As I write this, Texas is listed as a 6.5-point underdog. Each time I think about this game, I always come back to three things: Sam Ehlinger; Tom Herman's record as an underdog; it's a home game for Texas in what will be a truly electric atmosphere.

It was Louisiana Tech, but I was encouraged by what I saw on both the offensive and defensive lines. After talking with someone that covers LSU, I'm even more confident the Texas defensive line might surprise people. LSU is really, really good and finally looks like it's truly implemented a more wide open, quick, spread off led by a talented, tough quarterback Herman recruited. The concern for Texas is whether it can get LSU into unfavorable third-down situations often and if it can correct some coverage and communication issues. And LSU's secondary is absolutely loaded.

But, again, Texas has the better QB (Burrow's statistical splits are odd), is at home, and I can't pick against Herman as an underdog. Texas makes one more big play late to pull out the win.

Texas 31 - LSU 30

Anwar Richardson (1-0)

I understand why many writers outside of Austin are picking LSU, but I think they are giving the Tigers too much credit. LSU has a brand new offense that has not been tested by a good defense. Texas defensive coordinator Todd Orlando has successfully defended spread offenses during his Longhorn tenure. Plus, LSU will have to play in a loud stadium on the road. That is a lot to overcome.

We saw Texas defeat Oklahoma in a track meet during the 2018 regular season. We saw Texas defeat Georgia in a Sugar Bowl slug fest. We have witnessed Tom Herman defeat the spread many times.

We will see Texas defeat LSU on Saturday.

Texas 34 - LSU 30

Jason Suchomel (1-0)

This is going to be a bit of a unique prediction for me. In breaking down the match-ups, I do believe LSU has more individual talent on its roster. The Tigers feature the nation's top secondary, have elite talent at the receiver position and really do have very good players across the board.

But this one, to me, comes down to intangibles. Maybe I'm buying too much into the Sugar Bowl, but I'm not picking against Tom Herman as an underdog at home.

If Texas is going to get the win, it feels like it's going to take 30+ points, and I think the Longhorns will hit that mark.

Texas 31 LSU 30