Here is Jared Lloyd’s look at the BYU-Texas matchups, including his prediction for the final score for Saturday’s game at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin:

BYU offense vs. Texas defense

While the Cougar run game showed signs of life last week, quarterback Kedon Slovis will need to be a star. BYU is facing a very good Longhorn defensive front and the Cougar offensive line will have its hands full. That means Slovis needs to be locked in to make the passes that are there while avoiding costly mistakes, which won’t be easy.

Edge: Texas

BYU defense vs. Texas offense

Once again the Cougars are facing a backup quarterback on a team that has great weapons at running back and wide receiver. BYU will need to limit Longhorn RB Jonathon Brooks and force whoever is taking the snaps to make great throws. The Cougars will give up some plays but should get a turnover or two as well.

Edge: Even

Coaching

BYU head coach Kalani Sitake has his team finding ways to win despite not being elite statistically on either offense or defense. He and his staff must be well prepared to give the Cougars a shot. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has the Longhorns in the Top 10 but can’t afford to overlook BYU.

Edge: Even

Intangibles

The Cougars will be on the road in a state where their last visit two weeks ago was a disaster. Texas bounced back from the loss to Oklahoma and has its sites set on a title-game rematch, but learned last week that every game is dangerous. There is a chance of showers, so the weather could play a factor.

Edge: Texas

Key Matchup: BYU defensive line vs. Texas offensive line

The foundation for victory in college football is set in the trenches and that is even greater when a team is playing a new quarterback. Led by Tyler Batty, the Cougars are looking to force the Longhorns to be one-dimensional by limiting the Texas run game and disrupting the pocket. But this is a good Longhorn offensive line that takes pride in both run and pass blocking. If there are holes to run through, it will make it much easier for whoever is at quarterback to have time to find open receivers.

Edge: Texas

Prediction

While the home team won’t fall behind, it will be close for much of the first three quarters. BYU will take advantage of a couple of Texas mistakes but won’t be able to prevent the Longhorns from putting points on the board as well. With the outcome in doubt in the fourth quarter, Texas will get a key touchdown to push the lead to double digits and the last Cougar effort to rally will end on a fourth-down stop, giving the Longhorns the win.

No. 7 Texas 33, BYU 18

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