Texas-Rice Under 61.5?

[BigdaddyQH]

We all know that Texas wins this game easily. The side is around 29 now. But what about the total? Only SMU-Texas Tech has a higher total on the board, that being 62.

Rice retuens their QB, starting WR's and the entire starting offensive line from last season. The defense also returns 9 starters. The problem is that the offense ranked 110th in scoring, while the defense ranked dead last in scoring defense last season.

Texas returns 7 starters on a defense that ranked 12th in scoring defense. On offense, they start a new QB, and lost their back-up QB when Sherrod Harris transfered out of school. They also have lost starting RG Tray Allen for this game. Will Mack Brown dare risk losing the only QB with any experience at all to injury after this game is out of reach?

For the over to hit, Texas will probably have to score at least 42 points. I just do not see that happening with their current QB situation and an offensive line that will be rather inexperienced. I look forward to any thoughts here. What do you think? Texas does have an easy game in week 2 against Wyoming, but then they go to T-Tech. Will Brown risk a key injury just to run up the score?

[ackem19]

I don't see Brown risking his starting QB and I also don't see Texas giving up to many points on defense. You mentioned that Rice ranked dead last in scoring defense last season. I think the real question is whether or not Rice will be able to stop Texas' backups. My answer, no. With Texas losing the players they lost whether due to graduation or the draft, there are a couple of starting spots that the backups will be competing for. My suggestion would be to avoid the total in a game like this where a blowout is likely because you can't be too sure of how many points Rice will be able to put up.

[BigdaddyQH]

Texas ranked 61st in rushing offense last season. This is a major stumbling block for them. I can see Brown working on that aspect of the game. If Texas finishes 61st again this season, they are going nowheres. That should eat up a lot of the clock in the 2nd half.

[HoldEmHook!!]

Two great write ups.....I could see this being a 45-12 kind of game with Texas controling everything.........I like Tex. the total worries me........possible back door cover

[antifoil]

i read in SI texas changed the offense back to an under center offense from the spread.

[TWEETS]

I think it stays under, Rice is going to have a hard time scoring on that defense and I dont see Texas scoring more than about 45-50

[iwantcougars]

Texas will run a lot early this year, so they can find a couple of rb and balance their offense a bit. The under will be a good play, the question is if Rice D will show to back it.

[steve18]

Texas loves to run up the score. This is no play considering those circumstances. Too much other action in week one worth playing.