Texas football game-by-game predictions for the 2024 season
Game 2: @ Michigan (Sep. 7)
Location: Michigan Stadium (Ann Arbor, MI)
This matchup against Michigan doesn't need any introduction for the Longhorns faithful. The Texas-Michigan game has been circled on the calendar for the non-conference schedule for many years now as one of the biggest the Longhorns will play in the early-to-mid 2020s.
The Week 2 trip to Ann Arbor to face the Wolverines is arguably Texas's toughest true road game in the 2024 season. This is one of a few true road games the Longhorns will face this fall, and the only one in non-conference play.
If the Longhorns could walk out of Michigan Stadium with a win over the defending National Champions, that would solidify Texas's status as a title contender this fall and someone who can defeat any team in college football in 2024.
Ewers passed a big road test for the Longhorns last season, upsetting a top-five-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide team and head coach Nick Saban at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. This could be another season-defining win if the Longhorns top Michigan in Week 2.
Michigan brings a powerful ground game, led by a big offensive line and star running back Donovan Edwards. The biggest question for the Wolverines entering the regular season remains the starting quarterback decision. New head coach Sherrone Moore could start either Indiana transfer Jack Tuttle or redshirt sophomore Alex Oriji.
Moore led the Wolverines to two critical ranked wins late last season in Jim Harbaugh's absence due to a suspension he served last fall over top 10 foes in the Big Ten in Penn State and Ohio State. Those wins helped Michigan claim a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game and eventually the CFP to win the national title.
This game will be a test of the Longhorns' resolve on the road as well as their ability to avoid costly mistakes and compete consistently at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.