The term "must-win game" is thrown around a lot in sports. A true must-win game is one that staves off elimination. Well, that's essentially what the Longhorns face Saturday night when Texas hosts the Ole Miss Rebels at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium.
Just three weeks ago, the Longhorns were the No. 1 team in the nation. Now Texas is fighting for its College Football Playoff life. Steve Sarkisian has gone from the savior of the program to the hottest seat in America. And Arch Manning has gone from superstar to punchline.
It has all gone so wrong so quickly. But Mississippi provides an opportunity for the entire Longhorns football program to put the past two weeks behind it and become the contender they're supposed to be ... on paper at least.
We discussed after the Ohio State game that this Longhorns team might only play all-out and all-in when pushed the the brink. This is the brink.
Tommy Bresee's Prediction
Texas is staring down what seems to be a must-win vs. Ole Miss. The offense has given little reason for confidence and the defense, likely without Colin Simmons, has to contain one of the best QBs in the country. For Texas to end their losing streak streak, they'll need their most complete performance of the season.
It's difficult for me to see them mustering that, especially against Chambliss, Lacy and the Rebels offensive attack.
Final Score: Ole Miss 31, Texas 21
Jamie Gatlin's Prediction
The Longhorns enter their matchup with Ole Miss this weekend on a two-game losing streak. Of late they have been plagued by sloppy play and injuries.
Life won't get any easier against an Ole Miss team ranked seventh in the nation. The Longhorns have shown they have the talent to be an elite team but are now full of question marks. To beat the Rebels they will need to turn things around quickly but he last two weeks have not inspired alot of confidence.
Final Score: Ole Miss 24, Texas 17
Trey Luerssen's Prediction
I really don't know what to think of this team anymore.
Could Texas rise from the ashes like a pheonix and play like the contender everyone thought the were? Or will the Longhorns lose three straight games and have one of the biggest falls any No. 1 team in the nation has ever had?
Will UT figure out enough of its issues to play well and beat a playoff-calibre team in Ole Miss? Or will the entire Steve Sarkisian/Arch Manning era come crashing down on the DKR turf.
The smart money is on the later. Texas and Manning has looked completely lost for two weeks. Desperation can be a great motivator.
Final Score: Ole Miss 24, Texas 27
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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Expert Picks: Longhorns Wire staff predict Texas vs. Ole Miss Rebels