The Texas Longhorns and the Tennessee Vols will take center stage of the college football world on Saturday in a battle of top 15 teams.

The Longhorns are two weeks removed from their thrilling 24-23 comeback win over Ohio State, which vaulted them to the top spot in the rankings. Meanwhile, Tennessee has won comfortably in all three of their games this year with true freshman Faizon Brandon guiding the offense. Jim Knowles’ new-look defense has also been fast and physical thus far, albeit against overmatched competition.

So, which shade of orange will prevail on Saturday? Our college football writers weighed in on the game with score predictions.

Texas 28, Tennessee 17

I expect Arch Manning to have the kind of performance Texas has been waiting to see from him against a quality SEC opponent. After a slow and somewhat uneven start, Manning settles down, gets more comfortable with his reads and starts making the big-time throws that made him one of the most highly regarded quarterback prospects in the country. Texas’ defense and running game should help take some pressure off him early, but Manning ultimately makes enough plays in the second half to separate the Longhorns.

For Tennessee, I expect Faizon Brandon to show plenty of talent while also making a couple of costly freshman decisions. Brandon has already demonstrated impressive poise for an 18-year-old making his first season as Tennessee’s starter, but Texas presents a completely different challenge. A forced throw here, an overly aggressive decision there, or failing to take what the defense gives him could lead to a couple of turnovers or stalled drives. Those mistakes keep Tennessee within striking distance, but Texas’ experience and Manning’s second-half response ultimately prove to be the difference.

Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame

Tennessee 20, Texas 19

Tennessee has looked the part of a team that’s made a commitment to being faster, stronger, and more physical than last year. New strength and conditioning coach Derek Owings’ work appears to have paid off. As such, the Vols appear more primed to hang in for a full four quarters. The Vols’ ground game is among the best in the nation, and true freshman QB Faizon Brandon has had an impressive start, albeit against overmatched competition.

Texas looked absolutely pedestrian on the road last season, escaping Mississippi State and Kentucky in overtime and getting their doors blown off at Georgia. I think that composure will be tested ten fold on Saturday in a deafening Neyland Stadium.

Tennessee focuses its stellar LB corps on keeping ARch Manning from taking off and making plays with his legs, forcing him to work from the pocket and drawing a number of misfires. Meanwhile, the Vols’ ground attack pounds its way to some daylight in the second half, with Brandon having some key completions, but being less effective than we’ve seen so far.

A late defensive stand seals an all-time win for Josh Heupel.

Craig Smith, A to Z Sports Tennessee

Texas 31, Tennessee 21

I think Texas will go on the road and get this one done. They are just a much more experienced team; they may have the better overall roster, better coaching, and maybe the better quarterback, too.

We saw a surgical Arch Manning in the fourth quarter against Ohio State. If we see that version of him again against Tennessee, albeit in a much harder place to play as he was at home vs. the Buckeyes, then Manning should be able to carry his team to the win.

However, this could get interesting. Ohio State showed some pretty big flaws in this Texas defense. Tennessee’s offense could have its day. But for now, I have them scoring just 21.

Justin Churchill, A to Z Sports Oklahoma

Texas 30, Tennessee 25

The storylines in this game are enough to make it the game of the week, but the talent these teams have makes it worth the hype. Two different shades of orange will battle it out in what should be a show at the quarterback position. Arch Manning will command most of the mainstream anticipation and rightfully so, but the Vols may have found lightning in a bottle with Faizon Brandon. In my exposure to him, the ball explodes out of his hand, and he’s a twitchy athlete that players like Colin Simmons will have to contain.

That being said, it would be a massive letdown for Sark and the Longhorns if just two weeks after beating OSU, they dropped one in conference to the Vols. I expect a tight game into the 4th quarter, with Arch having a notable moment in the stadium that his uncle once dominated.

Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Alabama

Texas 31, Tennessee 24

This is undoubtedly the game of the week, and I’m looking forward to the environment in Knoxville on Saturday. Arch Manning has faltered in these kinds of moments at times during his Texas career, but he’s also stepped up, like he did in Week 2 against Texas with a strong second half.

How Tennessee freshman Faizon Brandon responds to a good Texas defense is going to be the difference in this one. Texas has more talent, and they’ve already shown they can win a big game this season.

Tennessee could make a major statement with this kind of win, but I still think they’re a year away from doing so. I’ll take Texas on the road, and it’s going to leave Peyton Manning with mixed emotions.

Brandon Little, A to Z Sports Ohio State

Texas 34, Tennessee 27

I’ll be honest, Tennessee has impressed me, especially with their win over Georgia Tech two weeks ago. True freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon has flashed in a big way, but the star of the team thus far has been the rush game with a 97th rush EPA/play.

The key battle here will be when Arch Manning throws the football. The Volunteers haven’t played a strong schedule yet, and have done well preventing explosive plays through the air, but the Longhorns have a 91st percentile explosive pass percentage, and that includes a stronger schedule with Ohio State. This is a big prove-it game for the Volunteers, but they come up just a bit short.

Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Florida