Texas' starters will do whatever they want while they're in the game. I wouldn't be shocked to see the Longhorns with 30+ points by themselves at halftime. The second half will likely be be dull, but I do like CSU to score 17+ themselves and do their part in hitting the over. I expect a 45-20 type of game in Texas' favor.

For me, this one is simple: Texas has a big-time matchup with No. 9 Michigan on the horizon. I'm expecting a very vanilla gameplan from Steve Sarkisian, and I wouldn't be surprised if Quinn Ewers doesn't even play in the second half. CSU has one of the best players you've never heard of in WR Tory Horton, and I expect the Rams to stay within 35 points on a late cover. I have this line at -27.5 in favor of Texas, so there is plenty of value here.

The Longhorns lost their top three receivers and tight end, who are all in the NFL, from last season. And while their replacements will be good, they will need time to get on the same page with quarterback Quinn Ewers. Meanwhile, Colorado State has a veteran team that has NFL talent at receiver and a quality offensive line. I expect the Rams to move the ball enough against the Texas defense to keep this within five touchdowns.

Texas is coming off a playoff appearance with equally high expectations in the SEC this season. However, the Longhorns have a much bigger date with Michigan last week, so I'm expecting a lot of reserves and a limited playcall sheet in the second half of this game.

I think Colorado State can score on Texas' defense, which loses two huge NFL bodies on the defensive line in T'Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy. Knowing the Rams can get a couple score will force Texas to keep its foot on the gas deeper into the game and a higher total.

Texas is down two running backs already from preseason injuries, leaving the Longhorns with just three RBs on scholarship. Though the Horns blasted their way into the latest playoffs, they were a modest 7-6-1 ATS last season. Colorado State closed its season impressively with a pair of wins followed by an excusable three-point defeat at Hawaii in the finale. (Escaping the cold for a late-November game under palm trees probably reduced the Rams' competitive spirit). This is a super-sized number for an opener, especially with the distraction of Texas' mega-matchup against Michigan looming in a week.