Texas women's basketball unveils non-conference schedule

Texas Women's Basketball released its non-conference schedule last week. I've already mentioned the news about the team traveling to Notre Dame University to take on the Fighting Irish as part of the SEC/ACC Challenge. While the non-conference schedule looks pretty easy, you can't count out some teams from beating the Longhorns.

While Tarleton State finished in the middle of the pack in the WAC, I expect them to give the Longhorns a challenge. Here are some of the highlights from the non-conference schedule.

Texas women's basketball non-conference opponents: 4. Gulf Coast Classic

Texas Women's Basketball accepted an invitation to the Gulf Coast Classic at Hertz Arena. Right now, they are scheduled to take on the New Mexico State Aggies in the first round of the tournament. If they were to beat the Aggies in the first round, they would take on the winner of Butler University or Santa Clara University.

Butler played in the Women's NIT tournament last season. That would be a great challenge for the Longhorns in their only tournament of the season.

3. James Madison University

Right after taking on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the Longhorns take on the James Madison Dukes. They had an overall record of 23-12 last season and took on Marshall University in the conference championship. I expect the Lady Dukes to be a tough team for the Longhorns to play since they will be tired after taking on the Fighting Irish.

I would consider this a trap game on their non-conference schedule this season. Expect the Dukes to give the Longhorns everything they got on their home court.

2. Southern University

The Southern University Jaguars are looking for revenge against the Longhorns after losing 80-35 last season. Last year's loss to the Longhorns fueled them to finish third in their conference. The Longhorns should be able to take care of them with ease again this season.

The only reason I'm mentioning them is that the Longhorns embarrassed them last season, and a team looking for revenge is a dangerous team.

1. South Dakota State Jackrabbits

The Jackrabbits are the most impressive team the Longhorns will face in their non-conference schedule this season. They were first in the Horizon League last season and went undefeated in conference play. Last year, they lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament to the Utah Utes.

They could be a team the Longhorns regret putting on their schedule this season. I hope I'm wrong with this prediction, but the Longhorns might lose a game in non-conference play.

Other Texas women's basketball stories on Hook'em Headlines