The Texas football team hasn't started 5-0 in consecutive seasons since the 2008 and 2009 squads ended up going a combined 25-2, bringing an unofficial end to Longhorns' era as a legitimate national title contender.

Fifteen seasons later, Steve Sarkisian has the program back in the mix, but the real work starts now with the SEC schedule. This is Texas' first year in the conference and its SEC debut is Saturday against Mississippi State.

Here are five burning questions in college football heading into Week 5 action:

Will Mississippi State put up a fight?

Sure, they’re an SEC team — albeit the one at the bottom of the conference barrel — but feistiness won’t be enough to prevent this inevitable beatdown.

Texas 54, Mississippi State 13.

MORE CED: What Caitlin Clark's rookie year, Matthew Sluka's saga has shown us

The Longhorns are on a sick roll right now, and regardless of who's playing quarterback — be it the Sheriff Quinn Ewers or future superstar Arch Manning — they are just too strong at every position. Plus, they know a fifth straight blowout will give them some great momentum entering the bye week to prepare for Oklahoma and Georgia.

Worse yet, the Bulldogs will start true freshman Michael Van Buren Jr. at quarterback in place of injured starter Blake Shapen, an unenviable assignment in front of more than 100,000 title-starved DKR attendees.

Yes, there will a fever spreading through the stadium, and there can be only one cure: less cowbell.

DEEPER DIVE: Inside Texas football's top challenge in preparing for Mississippi State

Are Quinn Ewers’ Heisman Trophy dreams already over?

Not even. Now, missing about five quarters against teams that would have provided him an opportunity to pad his stats doesn’t help his cause.

His numbers (691 passing yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions) are far behind early favorites such as Miami quarterback Cam Ward, Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart and others, but sterling performances against Oklahoma and Georgia — assuming he plays in those games —  could get him back in the race.

OPINION: UT football wins, preservationists lose in battle over historic building

The Heisman is all about moments, and Quinn has at least seven games left to create his own.

Shoot, 1998 Heisman winner Ricky Williams lost 48-7 to Kansas State that year, and we all know how that turned out.

Georgia or Alabama: Who's the pick?

Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer has done a great job of putting his stamp on the program one season after the legendary Nick Saban retired to ESPN's "College GameDay" and Aflac commercials, but Georgia coach Kirby Smart will come up with just enough defense to frustrate Bama quarterback Jalen Millroe in a rugged 20-17 win.

A No. 1 vs. No. 2  battle of unbeatens Oct. 19 in Austin is happening.

ANALYSIS: Texas believes it has the depth to compete in SEC — and a CFP title. History says it may

Who are the five best active coaches in college football?

Smart, DeBoer, Utah’s Kyle Whittingham, Texas’ Steve Sarkisian and Ole Miss’ Lane Kiffin.

Oregon's Dan Lanning misses the cut. So does Clemson's Dabo Swinney, who's had a great career, but I don't like how he has adjusted to this new way of doing NIL business while others, like Sarkisian, have thrived.

HORNS ON THE AIR: How to watch Texas vs. Mississippi State: Time, channel, streaming options for Week 5 game

Did the NCAA overstep by playing on Friday nights?

I don’t think so. That night was usually reserved for high schools, but there are those among us who aren’t parents or grandparents and don’t mind having a nice football viewing option to start the weekend. Give me midweek MAC-tion and some Friday night college tackling on the big screen.

My wife won’t like this, but there is no such thing as too much football on TV.

I’m here for it.

Follow the American-Statesman on Facebook and X for more. Your subscription makes work like this possible. Get access to all of our best content with this tremendous offer.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Golden on Quinn Ewers' Heisman Trophy chances, Friday night NCAAF