The Texas Longhorns begin the Steve Sarkisian era against Louisiana on Saturday, Sept. 4 and we have all of the information you need for the game.
Steve Sarkisian is in Austin as the next man tasked with getting the Texas Longhorns back. It’s been a perpetual tease over roughly the past decade that a team as talented as this should be able to compete to win the Big 12 has kept falling short. They’ll look to turn the narrative, though, and surviving an upset special against Louisiana in Week 1 of the 2021 season would help start that.
Texas named Hudson Card the starting quarterback over veteran Casey Thompson, which goes to show that Sarkisian is trying to put his best players on the field. Whoever is at quarterback has one big-time job, though: Get the ball to Bijan Robinson. The running back looks like a bonafide star and should carry the offense.
Louisiana will present a tough test. The Ragin’ Cajuns knocked off Iowa State in the opener a year ago and would love to get another Big 12 win notched into their belt. Levi Lewis is back as a dangerous quarterback and Billy Napier’s team figures to be one of the best in the Group of 5 yet again.
Let’s take a look at the odds, make some predictions and break down everything fans need to know for the Texas Longhorns season opener against the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns.
Texas vs. Louisiana odds Week 1
- Point Spread: Texas -8 (-115)
- Moneyline: Texas -330, Louisiana +255
- Over/Under Total: 58.0 (-110 each side)
- Odds via WynnBet
The Longhorns are entering this game as more than a touchdown favorite, which speaks to a couple of things. First, there is belief in the talent on the Texas roster. Second, this Louisiana team might be a bit overrated base on the fact that they toppled the Cyclones last year.
My lean is to taking Texas against the spread and to the over. If there’s one concern I have about Sarkisian’s team outside of the unproven quarterback, it’s the defense not being where it needs to be. Louisiana can score, which should make for a pseudo-shootout.
Texas Injury Report vs. Louisiana Week 1
Pass-catchers will be a bit thinner than expected for Texas to open the season. The Longhorns lost freshman wide receiver Jaden Alexis for the season, as is the case with tight end Baryden Liebrock as well. Wide receiver Troy Omeire will also miss the season-opener but he is expected to see the field sooner rather than later this season.
Texas vs. Louisiana prediction Week 1
As briefly mentioned earlier, people are overrating Louisiana based on the Iowa State win last season. The Ragin’ Cajuns got extremely lucky in a game in which they weren’t as effective offensively as the Cyclones. That’s a formula that doesn’t look likely to repeat against another Big 12 foe.
Even if you don’t think Hudson Card hits the ground running — a fair assessment — Texas is bigger, faster and more talented than Louisiana. Bijan Robinson should have a monster game and there are enough athletes on defense to keep Billy Napier’s team at bay and allow the Longhorns to secure the first win of his tenure. Final Score: Texas 38, Louisiana 24
Download the WynnBET App and make your pick here
Texas next game and schedule
- Sept. 11 – at Arkansas
- Sept. 18 – vs. Rice
- Sept. 25 – vs. Texas Tech
- Oct. 2 – at TCU
- Oct. 9 – vs. Oklahoma (Neutral Site)
- Oct. 16 – vs. Oklahoma State
- Oct. 30 – at Baylor
- Nov. 6 – at Iowa State
- Nov. 13 – vs. Kansas
- Nov. 20 – at West Virginia
- Nov. 26 – vs. Kansas State
No rest for Texas to start the 2021 season. While Arkansas isn’t a premier SEC program, they have plenty of talent and going on the road to face the Razorbacks is quite unwelcome for the Longhorns after facing one of the best Group of 5 programs in the country to start the season.
What channel is the Texas game on Week 1?
Saturday’s game in Norman will be broadcast as the national contest on FOX in the Noon ET slate. It should be available on all FOX affiliates throughout the United States as the premier Big Ten contest of the week.
Texas vs. Louisiana live stream
Date: Saturday, Sept. 4
Kickoff Time: 4:30 ET
TV Channel: FOX
Live Stream: FuboTV, FOX Sports
Fans can watch Texas face Louisiana via a subscription to FuboTV, which is available to sign up for with a 7-day free trial for new customers. This matchup can also be streamed on FOX Sports or the FOX Sports app by logging in with a valid cable or satellite subscription.
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