College football's unique in that a single loss could mean the difference between a conference championship (or the ultimate regular-season goal, a College Football Playoff spot) and becoming an also-ran in the FBS ranks. If the Longhorns want to return to the top of the Big 12 in 2018, they are going to have to pull off a few upsets. Here are Texas' five toughest games heading into this year:
5) vs. TCU Horned Frogs - Sept. 22
TCU is expected to take a step back in 2018 after losing star quarterback Kenny Hill to the NFL, making this the perfect opportunity for Texas to end a four-game losing streak to the Horned Frogs.
4) at Oklahoma State Cowboys - Oct. 27
This is undoubtedly Texas' toughest true road game of the season, heading to Stillwater to take on an Oklahoma State team determined to build on last year's success - even with a new quarterback in tow. This will be a big measuring stick for the Longhorns and where they stand in the Big 12 pecking order.
3) vs. West Virginia Mountaineers - Nov. 3
WVU is believed to be the biggest threat to unseat Oklahoma at the top of the Big 12 this season thanks to a number of returning players headlined by quarterback Will Grier. Texas' defense improved greatly during Year One under Tom Herman but this might be that group's biggest test of the season.
2) vs. USC Trojans - Sept. 15
With two relatively easy games against Maryland and Tulsa to open the season, a home game against USC will be Texas' first chance to really prove themselves in 2018. Win and the Longhorns will become relevant on the national stage. Lose, and this team will miss a golden opportunity.
1) Oklahoma Sooners Oct. 6
The best way to jump to the forefront of the conference race? Beat rival Oklahoma again. The Sooners are a preseason top-10 team, but this is Texas' best chance to assert themselves at the top of the conference.
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