Expert Picks: Longhorns Wire staff predict Texas vs. Florida Gators

It seems fitting that Halloween is around the corner, because the Texas Longhorns have a lot of demons to exorcise. The Longhorns are coming off one of the programs worst losses in years . And the Florida Gators are a huge reason Texas missed last year's College Football Playoff .

Texas' second half collapse in the Red River Shootout last weekend has reverberated throughout college football. Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning has been a punching bag for the national media and UT haters around the nation. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian hasn't fared much better.

Manning threw two catastrophic fourth quarter interceptions last Saturday against Oklahoma that has made everyone question whether he's even on the right track. And Sark's play-calling has come heavy criticism.

It is almost a carbon copy of the reaction last year after the loss to Florida. If the Longhorns are going to start a redemption tour that sweeps UT into the CFP, the Gators are a good opponent to start against.

Florida set the college football world on fire after upsetting Ole Miss three weeks ago. But back-to-back losses have seen the Gators come crashing back down to earth.

For Texas to keep their CFP hopes alive, this is a pseudo must-win. Florida comes with a dangerous but struggling offenses as of late. The defense is where Texas could earn a major advantage. The Gators defense has struggled mightily all season, especially defending the pass.

This should be a game where Manning and the Texas offense can find a rhythm early and often. I expect Texas to begin making offensive adjustments, slow down Jadan Baugh and get the Longhorns a rather comfortable win this weekend.

I think Texas wins big. The offense will click better than it has all season. Manning will look the best he has all season and the offense puts some points on the board.

Defensively, Texas has another big day. Florida QB Aaron Philo is questionable, as are WRs Vernell Brown III and Bailey Stockton. The Gators will get some yards on the ground with super running back Jadan Baugh. But the passing game will be a mess.

If Texas is (still) a title contender, they need to use this game as a springboard for the rest of the season.

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