Joel Klatt picks Texas to win, cover vs. Vanderbilt

According to BetMGM, No. 20 Texas is a 2.5-point favorite against No. 9 Vanderbilt in their showdown on Saturday. With two days to spare, FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt weighed in on the pivotal SEC matchup.

“I’m too much of an elitist. I’m sorry, but I just can’t be like, ‘Hey, Vandy is gonna go to Texas and win.’ I’m sorry, Vandy. It’s magical. I get it,” Klatt said. “You’re in DKR. I think that they lose.

“Texas is favored by 2.5. I’m gonna take Texas, 20-17. I’ll give the 2.5 and I’ll go Longhorns win this one and keep themselves afloat. Their backs are against the wall. Backs are against the wall, and I think that they play well.”

With two losses already this season, Texas certainly can’t afford another. If the Longhorns defeat Vanderbilt, they’ll have a strong argument to be back in the College Football Playoff picture. Simply put, Texas will have no shortage of motivation on Saturday.

The Longhorns are battle-tested. Their last two games both went to overtime, and the contest before those was the Red River Rivalry game. Texas isn’t a stranger to pressure, and there will be plenty this weekend.

Of course, Vanderbilt hasn’t wilted under the bright lights this season, either. The Commodores are 7-1 and boast three ranked wins.

Vanderbilt’s only loss this season thus far was against Alabama in Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Commodores will be entering enemy territory again this weekend, but will hope to emerge with a different result.

Quarterback Diego Pavia will be key to the team’s success. The Heisman candidate has been phenomenal this season, completing 68.8% of his pass attempts for 15 touchdowns, while simultaneously leading the Commodores in rushing yards.

Texas will need QB Arch Manning to embrace the competition. Manning has been inconsistent this season, but had a strong showing in Texas’ latest outing.

In the Longhorns’ 45-38 triumph over Mississippi State in Week 9, Manning notched 346 passing yards and three TDs, while only throwing one pick. Manning ran in a score, as well.

Texas and Vanderbilt will clash on Saturday at 11 a.m. CT. The game will air live on ABC.

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