3 Texas matchups that will give Steve Sarkisian a hard time in the SEC after Big-12 departure

The Texas Longhorns, with Steve Sarkisian at the helm, are officially members of the SEC, having left the Big 12 in the realignment. After making it to the college football playoff, the team enters 2024 with the second-best odds of winning the conference. However, Texas has a tough schedule in its first year of SEC play, and here are three games that could give them trouble:

3 Texas matchups that will give Steve Sarkisian a hard time in the SEC

#1. Georgia, October 19

The toughest game on Texas' schedule is on October 19 when the Longhorns host the Georgia Bulldogs. Georgia is favored to win the national championship going into the season, so this game would be pivotal in seeing how Texas stacks up in the SEC and if it is a true national title contender.

The good thing for the Steve Sarkisian-led team is that the game is at home, but the early odds have Georgia as a two-point favorite.

#2. Texas A&M, November 30

The Texas Longhorns end their season on the road against the Texas A&M Aggies in a pivotal game. The last game of the year could be the final chance for either school to prove they belong in the college football playoff.

The road atmosphere will also be tough, which is why this game is second on the list. The oddsmakers slightly favor the Longhorns, who are four-point favorites to defeat the Aggies on the road.

#3. Oklahoma, October 12

Texas and the Oklahoma Sooners both left the Big 12 for the SEC, and they will play again in 2024, with the Longhorns on the road.

The rivalry game is projected to be usually close, and although Texas is an 8.5-point favorite, it was favored over Oklahoma last year and lost. Being an away game also makes the matchup that much harder for Steve Sarkisian and his team.