Dallas barber and local commentator Matt Steigerwald believes the Texas Longhorns have the talent to beat LSU in their upcoming game at Tiger Stadium on Saturday, November 14. The matchup, broadcast on ABC at 6:30 p.m. Central, pits a 7-2 Texas team ranked No. 6 in the College Football Playoff (CFP) against a 6-3 LSU squad sitting at No. 21.
Local Voices on the Game
During the “Barber Ball Banter” podcast, Steigerwald called Texas an “elite team” and argued the Longhorns could challenge Georgia at its best, but he questioned whether they could sustain that level of play through the season. He noted a shift in quarterback Arch Manning’s performance, saying, “I think that Arch in October is different than Arch in November.” Co‑host Louis Darrouzet II also backed Texas, predicting a 28-17 victory.
Recent Performance
Texas entered the game after a convincing 34-20 win over Missouri on November 7, where Manning completed 28 of 38 passes for 297 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Raleek Brown added a 23‑yard touchdown reception and an 8‑yard rushing score in the fourth quarter.
LSU, meanwhile, suffered a 31-13 home loss to Alabama a week earlier. Steigerwald expects the Tigers to respond aggressively in front of their home crowd, describing the upcoming contest as “a dog fight in Death Valley.”
Predictions and Stakes
Steigerwald’s own prediction is a narrow 27-24 Texas win, giving the Longhorns just a field goal margin. He emphasized that avoiding turnovers and keeping the offense moving will be as crucial as raw talent.
Beyond the game, Steigerwald expressed opinions on the College Football Playoff format. He argued that a 12‑team playoff featuring the genuine best teams would be ideal, dismissing further expansion as akin to participation trophies. The CFP announced on November 9 that it will expand to 24 teams beginning in the 2027‑28 season, but this year’s field remains at 12.
Conference Comparisons
Steigerwald also weighed in on conference strength, calling Texas Tech “trash” and suggesting the Big 12 lacks the depth of the SEC. He noted that Texas Tech held the No. 12 spot in the CFP rankings on November 10 but remained unconvinced that spending alone can secure a national championship.
Looking Ahead
Both Steigerwald and Darrouzet see the LSU game as a critical test for Texas’s playoff aspirations. A win would keep the Longhorns in contention for a higher CFP ranking, while a loss could jeopardize their path to the postseason.
The Longhorns’ next challenge after Baton Rouge will depend on the outcome, but the local community remains hopeful that Texas can survive the hostile environment of Death Valley and continue its push toward a deep playoff run.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
