The Longhorns one last tuneup before starting SEC play, but will have to do it without a few key pieces.

For the first time since 2008, the Texas Longhorns are the No. 1 team in the country. The Longhorns claimed that mountain thanks to three dominant performances to open the season combined with the struggles of the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs in their first SEC game.

Texas is just one game away from their first game of SEC play, taking on the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks at DKR without some key pieces to the team. With quarterback Quinn Ewers once again sidelined, this time an oblique strain suffered against UTSA, former top recruit Arch Manning steps in for another top quarterback to make his first career start. Coincidentally, Ewers made his first start on the Forty Acres against ULM two years ago.

ULM is coming off of a bye after taking care of business against two lesser opponents to open the season, with Texas as their first real test of the year. This will be a clash of styles for Texas, with the Warhawks hoping to slow the game down and limit the number of possessions for opponents. While Texas can — and likely will — strike fast in the game, ULM also thrives on turnovers and taking away extra possessions from opponents. Asking a first-time starter to be at the helm for this type of matchup is a boon for defensive coaches, regardless of what they may say at press conferences leading up to the contest.

• Staff Roundtable: Arch Manning, ULM, and the No. 1 ranking

Texas has looked significantly better than Georgia through three games. Kirby Smart will undoubtedly have that team in a position to win every week, but I’m not sold on their defensive front or Carson Beck. Georgia also has to play against Alabama, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and of course, Texas. That’s a gauntlet for any team.

• With Texas RBs hit by injuries, the Horns are leaning on Jerrick Gibson, the ‘Baby Rhino’
• No. 1 Texas hosts ULM: Three keys to the game

Through their first two games, against Jackson State and UAB, the Warhawks have allowed 3.8 yards per rush to opposing offensive lines and have stopped opposing rushers for three or fewer yards just seven percent of the time. It’s a winning proposition for Texas all-around on the ground, with ULM’s opponents averaging .27 expected points added per rush.

• No, ULM doesn’t have any players who beat Texas QB Arch Manning in high school
• No. 1 Texas vs. ULM advanced stats preview

Injury Report:

• Sophomore RB CJ Baxter (knee) — out
• Freshman RB Christian Clark (knee) — out
• Junior RB Jaydon Blue (ankle) — game-time decision
• Sophomore RB Quintrevion Wisner (leg) — game-time decision
• Redshirt sophomore DT Aaron Bryant (knee) — game-time decision
• Sophomore S Jelani McDonald (ankle) — game-time decision
• Junior QB Quinn Ewers (oblique) — out

How to Watch:

TV: ESPN+/SECNetwork+

Time: 7:00 p.m. Central

Radio: Texassports.com. Broadcasts are also available on Sirius 132, XM 199, and App Ch. 953

Online Streaming: WatchESPN

Odds: Texas -44.5, according to FanDuel

Weather: High of 83 degrees and mostly sunny