Texas is back.
Once derided as a meme, that slogan is now a rallying cry for Longhorn fans.
And who can blame them?
Texas was terrific against the Crimson Tide in front of a massive national audience in prime time.
A win like that will always take the hype to the next level and that sentiment will almost certainly seep into the betting market.
That makes Texas’ next step, a home game against Wyoming, a lot of fun to handicap.
The Longhorns are a 29.5-point favorite (BetMGM) over the Cowboys on Saturday night.
The first thing handicappers need to note about this game is that it’s a tricky spot for the Burnt Orange.
Not only do they have to get right back in the saddle after dismantling Alabama, but the Longhorns will also have one eye on a trip to Baylor to open up Big 12 play next weekend.
It’s a sandwich spot and it’s not as if they’re taking on a cupcake, either.
While Texas is miles better than Wyoming, the Cowboys have already proven this season they shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Fellow Big 12 contenders Texas Tech learned that the hard way in a Week 1 loss in Laramie that saw the Cowboys hold the Red Raiders to just three points in the final three quarters to power them to a 35-33 double-overtime win.
Wyoming’s defense, which returned 10 starters from 2022, is not the only reason to like its chances to cover this huge number, either.
While the Cowboys aren’t likely to rack up the quick-scoring, explosive plays that Texas will put together in this game, the Cowboys will be just as happy to pound the rock and build their drives by running the ball as much as they can.
Quarterback Andrew Peasley, a sixth-year graduate transfer from Utah State, is part of that rushing attack thanks to his ability to extend plays and avoid pressure.
A dual-threat quarterback with plenty of experience, Peasley has racked up 111 yards through two games and went for 68 on 15 attempts against Texas Tech.
He’ll need every bit of that against a talented defensive front.
Betting on College Football?
In the big picture there’s a lot to like about the Longhorns.
Quinn Ewers has built up some Heisman hype under center, the defense has looked great and they already have passed a massive test.
But all of that also makes this a great opportunity to sell high on the Longhorns in a really tricky spot.
Not only do I expect the clock to be moving since Wyoming will want to establish the run as much as possible, but I also would lean on Texas to be pretty conservative with its game plan if it is able to build up a sizable lead later in the game.
The Longhorns have much bigger fish to fry and Steve Sarkisian won’t want to risk anything in a likely blowout win over a Group of 5 opponent.
It’s always important not to get caught up in the hype when you’re betting on college football, and in most cases you’re going to want to bet against it.
The pick: Take Wyoming +29.5 (BetMGM)