Texas vs. West Virginia preview, odds, prediction, TV channel, live stream

West Virginia looks to set the stage for a brutal November stretch with a victory over the Texas Longhorns. Here is everything you need to know about the game.

When No. 13 West Virginia travels to play No. 17 Texas on Saturday, expect to see both teams put it all on the line. The stakes don’t get much higher for a regular season game and the winner will take sole possession of first place in the Big 12.

Texas is coming off a heartbreaking loss to Oklahoma State, which snapped their six-game winning streak. Oklahoma State jumped out to a big 31-14 lead in the first half and while Texas gave it everything they had to come back, they ultimately fell to the Pokes by three points. Quarterback Sam Ehlinger shouldn’t hang his head after the loss, the sophomore racked up over 300 total yards and 4 touchdowns in the game. However, the defense had no answer for the Oklahoma State offense and ultimately gave up 502 yards in the defeat.

West Virginia is entering the first game of a brutal November schedule, which features games against Texas, TCU, Oklahoma State, and Oklahoma. Last weekend, the Mountaineers were able to bounce back from a horrific performance against Iowa State and put up 58 points in a blowout victory over Baylor. Quarterback Will Grier took a step back in that Iowa State game but looked to recompose himself after the loss. On the year, Grier has thrown for 2,272 yards with 25 touchdowns and remains one of the most lethal quarterbacks in the country.

Who will take control of the Big 12 title race? Both teams have put themselves in the position to control their own destiny, but a loss by either team will nearly eliminate them from contention. Here is everything you need to know about Saturday’s game.

How to watch and bet on West Virginia vs. Texas

Date: Saturday, Nov. 3
Start Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Austin, TX
Stadium: Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium
TV Info: FOX
Live Stream: FuboTV

Betting Odds

Points Spread: Texas +2
Money Line: WVU +115, TEX -135
O/U: 58

Keys to Victory

West Virginia – Although West Virginia fields one of the most prolific offenses in the country, it doesn’t mean they have no flaws. The Mountaineers have shown no ability to run the football. In their loss to Iowa State, the Cyclones dropped coverage and dared the Mountaineers to run the ball, and they couldn’t, and averaged a measly 1.9 yards per carry. Last weekend, if you take away their 79 yard jet sweep, they only averaged 2.8 yards per carry. This is a disturbing trend for the Mountaineers, but if it is turned around this weekend, quarterback Will Grier could see the field open up and pick apart a Texas defense that has been shredded by opposing quarterbacks on a few occasions this year.

Texas – The key for the Longhorns will be to slow down Will Grier and his talented wide receivers. To do that, Texas must start getting after the quarterback, which has been an issue for their defense all season. Currently, Texas ranks 8th in the Big 12 in sacks, which has helped opponents to convert 39 percent of 3rd downs and 62 percent of fourth-down attempts. It should go without saying, but letting a quarterback like Will Grier stay on the field is not going to bode well for any team. If the Longhorns plan to keep their big 12 title hopes alive, they will need the defense to make an impact in this game.

Prediction

Expect a high scoring affair in Austin on Saturday, which gives West Virginia a slight advantage. It will be a tight contest, but Will Grier will be up for the challenge and help the Mountaineers take control of the Big 12.

Score: West Virginia 38, Texas 34