Texas faces UTEP in tuneup before chasing Big 12 title

Posted September 10, 2020 7:00 am

By The Associated Press

FILE - In this Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019 file photo, Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger celebrates a touchdown against Utah during the first half of the Alamo Bowl NCAA college football game in San Antonio. For Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger, each day of summer workouts and training camp felt like uneasy steps toward a season that might never come. And even with his team's first kickoff coming Saturday night, Ehlinger holds his breath worrying that the coronavirus pandemic could still derail everything. (AP Photo/Austin Gay, FIle) The Associated Press

UTEP (1-0) at No. 14 Texas (0-0), Saturday at 8 p.m. ET (Longhorn Network).

Line: Texas by 43.

Series record: Texas 5-0.

WHAT'S AT STAKE?

The revamped and shortened schedule left Texas with just one game before starting pursuit of its first Big 12 title in since 2009. But at least they get this one. Three other Big 12 schools have seen their season openers delayed or postponed indefinitely by coronavirus outbreaks. If the Miners pull off a massive upset, they would match their win total of the past two seasons.

KEY MATCHUP

UTEP is relying on an experienced secondary to keep Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger in check, but still may be overmatched. Ehlinger ranks second in school history in passing yards and touchdowns. The Texas receiving corps will have some new faces, but still have a ton of speed and size.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

UTEP: Running back Deion Hankins rushed for 113 years and two touchdowns in the Miners' season-opening win over Steven F. Austin.

Texas: Junior linebacker Joseph Ossai had three sacks in last season's Alamo Bowl win over Utah, and the Longhorns' new 4-3 scheme under new defensive coordinator Chris Ash should maximize his explosiveness as a pass rusher.

FACTS & FIGURES

UTEP was 1-11 each of the past two seasons ... Texas had four players opt out of this season due to COVID-19 concerns, including senior tailback Daniel Young, junior college transfer lineman Willie Tyler and senior defensive end Marqez Bimage, all who were expected to contribute this season ... Texas coach Tom Herman rebuilt his staff after last season's 8-5 finish and has has seven new assistants.

FILE - In this Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 file photo, Texas linebacker Joseph Ossai (46) and defensive lineman Peter Mpagi (45) rush LSU quarterback Joe Burrow (9) during an NCAA football game in Austin, Texas. (Nick Wagner/Austin American-Statesman via AP, File) The Associated Press

FILE - In this Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019 file photo, Texas's Jordan Whittington (21) runs against Louisiana Tech during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas. Oklahoma State, TCU and Baylor have already had their first games delayed by a week or postponed indefinitely because of virus outbreaks. And until Texas and UTEP players pass their final Friday, Sept. 11, 2020 COVID-19 tests, their game will remain a question mark. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton, File) The Associated Press

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