Matt Steigerwald believes Texas has enough talent to beat Georgia. But his prediction for Saturday’s trip to LSU leaves the Longhorns with little room for error: a 27-24 win.
On Barber Ball Banter, the Dallas barber and Louis Darrouzet II back Texas to win in Baton Rouge while debating whether Arch Manning and the Longhorns can turn their talent into a deep playoff run.
Texas visits Tiger Stadium on Saturday, November 14, with ABC coverage scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Central. The Longhorns enter at 7-2 and No. 6 in the College Football Playoff rankings, while LSU stands at 6-3 and No. 21.
“The truth is that we are an elite team,” Steigerwald says in the episode. He argues that Texas can challenge Georgia at its best, but questions whether the Longhorns can sustain that level of play.
Manning gives Texas reason for optimism
Steigerwald sees a more confident quarterback as the season moves into November.
“I think that Arch in October is different than Arch in November,” he says.
Texas earned a 34-20 victory at Missouri on November 7. Manning completed 28 of 38 passes for 297 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Raleek Brown caught a 23-yard touchdown pass and added an 8-yard scoring run in the fourth quarter.
The renewed optimism follows an earlier debate over Manning and coach Steve Sarkisian, which The Dallas Express covered in October. Steigerwald defended the importance of player execution while questioning the mistakes that kept costing Texas.
Two picks for Death Valley
LSU enters after a 31-13 home loss to Alabama on November 7. Steigerwald expects the Tigers to respond aggressively in front of their home crowd.
“It’s gonna be a dog fight in Death Valley,” he predicts.
Darrouzet picks Texas to win 28-17. Steigerwald’s 27-24 prediction gives the Longhorns only a field goal of separation.
For Steigerwald, avoiding turnovers and keeping the offense moving will matter as much as the talent on the roster.
Playoff criticism and a shot at Texas Tech
Steigerwald also questions how teams qualify for the College Football Playoff.
“If you put the genuine 12 best teams in the playoffs, the 12-team playoff would be great,” he argues.
Under this season’s rules, the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC champions receive automatic bids, along with the highest-ranked team from six other conferences. Those requirements bind the selection committee.
Steigerwald opposes further expansion, comparing it to participation trophies. The CFP announced on November 9 that it will expand to 24 teams beginning in 2027-28. This season’s field remains at 12.
He also dismisses Texas Tech and argues that the Big 12 lacks the SEC’s competitive depth.
“Texas Tech is trash,” Steigerwald says.
The Red Raiders held the No. 12 spot at 8-1 in the November 10 CFP rankings. Steigerwald remains unconvinced that spending can deliver a national championship.
His own team’s next test comes in Baton Rouge, where he and Darrouzet both expect Texas to leave with a win.
