No. 20 Texas will host No. 9 Vanderbilt for the first time since 1903 in a matchup of two top-20 SEC teams looking to boost their playoff chances ahead of the initial College Football Playoff rankings. The Commodores (7-1, 3-1 SEC) are in the midst of a remarkable season, having achieved back-to-back wins over ranked opponents. Conversely, the Longhorns (6-2, 3-1) are coming off two narrow victories against teams at the bottom of the SEC, posing questions about their current form.

A significant storyline revolves around the health of Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning, who may miss the game due to concussion recovery. His backup, Matthew Caldwell, stepped in to throw the game-winning touchdown last week.

On the opposing side, Diego Pavia, a pivotal figure for Vanderbilt, is ready for redemption after a frustrating performance against Texas last season that ended in a narrow 27-24 defeat.

Need to Know

• Previous Matchup: Last year’s game was pivotal for both teams, with Texas defeating Vanderbilt 27-24 while the Commodores struggled offensively.

• Offensive Challenges: Texas has faced issues with its running game, ranking poorly nationally and limiting offensive efficiency. In contrast, Vanderbilt’s strong performance in both rushing and defending positions them well for this weekend’s clash.

Watch Live

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 1
• Time: 12 p.m. ET
• Location: Darrell K. Royal Stadium, Austin, Texas
• TV: ABC | Live Stream: Fubo (Free Trial Available)

Prediction: The Longhorns’ struggle with injuries and offense coupled with Vanderbilt’s momentum makes for an intriguing contest. Pick: Vanderbilt +3.