ESPN identifies best, worst case scenarios for Texas in 2023

Texas is one of those teams that everyone is either hyped for or wary of heading into the season. The Longhorns have the talent and path to reach heights that they haven’t been in quite some time yet are also the program that has let people down before.

In an article that broke down the best and worst-case scenarios for each AP Preseason Top-25 team, Dave Wilson took a look at Texas and determined what their season could look like.

As far as the best-case scenario in Austin, Wilson believes the Longhorns have a national title contender on their hands. They have the talent to justify that position as well as a schedule that could give them a decent path to accomplish that feat.

“The Longhorns have the talent to play for a national championship,” wrote Wilson. “Week 2’s showcase against Alabama doesn’t have to make or break them. But a good showing or a win in Tuscaloosa could get (Steve) Sarkisian over the hump.”

“If they can dominate the Sooners again after a 49-0 win last year? There’s a manageable schedule with road games against Baylor and Houston before a Nov. 11 showdown in Fort Worth on Nov. 11.”

The No. 11 Longhorns have September 9th circled coming into the season. A win over the Crimson Tide could set the tone for their year. Then, in the Big 12, TCU could be Texas’ only problematic true road game at the moment.

However, we’re all aware that Texas has tripped up and fallen short before. That’s especially so in spots where they’re not supposed to. That’s where Wilson’s worst-case scenario comes into play.

Even with an often tricky league to work through again, he says anything less than double-digit wins in the regular season would be a missed opportunity and would cast some serious doubt on The 40 Acres as they head to their new home in the Southeastern Conference.

“Several oddsmakers have Texas with a 9.5-win over/under on the season. Sarkisian has never won more than nine games in a season as a head coach,” Wilson wrote. “With all the expectations, anything less than a nine-win season going into the SEC next year could raise big questions about Sarkisian’s future given the amount of talent he has had to work with.”

Those aren’t the vibes that the people in burnt orange want to have to consider. It’s a possibility though. Now it’s on Sarkisian and Texas to ensure that their typical shortcomings don’t become a reality again with this highly-regarded team.

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