The Texas Longhorns currently have a 51% chance to make the College Football Playoff. With a win over the Missouri Tigers, their chances increase to 76%. Missouri has a 17% chance to make it. With a win on Saturday, that increases to

Final Score Predictions for Missouri vs. Texas

Texas 31, Missouri 14: Ryan Roberts, A to Z Notre Dame

I’m taking Texas to beat Missouri 31-14 in a game where the Longhorns’ defense ultimately makes the biggest statement. Arch Manning continues to quietly put together solid performances, making good decisions, taking care of the football and doing enough to keep the Texas offense moving. He might not put up the kind of numbers that grab national headlines, but his consistency is becoming an important part of this team’s success. Meanwhile, the Austin Simmons magic starts to wear off. Missouri will have some early opportunities, but I don’t see the Tigers sustaining drives against a talented Texas defense.

The Longhorns’ defense is the difference in this matchup. I expect Texas to pressure Simmons, disrupt Missouri’s offensive rhythm, and force the Tigers into difficult third-down situations. Missouri simply won’t have enough answers when the game starts to slip away. The Longhorns gradually take control, get a few timely stops, and allow Manning to manage the game without having to do too much. Longhorns win 31-14.

Texas 25, Missouri 22: Rob Gregson, A to Z Alabama

Texas just landed at 7th in the initial CFP rankings, and all the momentum the Longhorns have built would be for nothing if they drop this one against Missouri. The Tigers have some impressive wins, but Texas is the more complete team, even after losing offensive tackle Trevor Goosby. The road trip is a big factor, as is the increased workload for running back Ahmad Hardy. But I believe Arch Manning and the offense will get going and be too much for the Tigers to handle. Give me the Longhorns to win a tight one in Columbia.

Missouri 31, Texas 23: Tyler Forness, A to Z Florida

Conventional wisdom says Texas should win this game. They have more raw talent across the board, stronger recruiting classes, and a Manning at quarterback. This year, the Longhorns haven’t lived up to their own expectations, and now the injuries are piling up on both sides of the football. Multiple first-round picks are set to miss this game, and it’s a perfect storm for the Tigers.

The one thing that has me thinking Missouri can win is quarterback Austin Simmons. He can attack every blade of grass and has a real chance to be a top pick in the NFL Draft. I’ll give the Tigers a win over the Longhorns.

Missouri 23, Texas 20: Craig Smith, A to Z Tennessee

This SHOULD be a playoff elimination game, with both teams coming into this game with two losses. The game is in Missouri, where the Tigers have been a different team this year, clubbing Florida and defeating Texas A&M handily. Texas has been a tough team to figure out. They beat Ohio State and Ole Miss at home, two excellent wins, but they lost to a terrible Oklahoma team in Dallas and lost to Florida at home.

I trust Missouri’s run game more than I trust Texas’ offense, which totaled just 280 yards last week in a comfortable win over Mississippi State. Jamal Roberts is third in the nation in rushing yards and has gone for 138+ in three of his last four games with two 200+ yard games in that span. With the Tigers’ ground game and the home field advantage, it’s just enough for Mizzou to pick up a massive win.