Texas visits Tuscaloosa to go head-to-head against Alabama in a game that’s a rematch of one of the best games from last season. This game should be even bigger than it was last season because both teams are legitimate College Football Playoff threats.
Aaron already previewed this game in his Week 2 picks, but I wanted to share some addition thoughts here.
First, all the particulars:
No. 11 Texas at No. 3 Alabama: Saturday, 7:00 p.m. ET, ESPN
Spread: Alabama (-7)
Over/Under: 53.5
The biggest key in this game for Texas is Quinn Ewers. He got injured in the game last season and was playing great before that and could’ve been potentially the difference for Texas winning the game if he was available the entire game. Xavier Worthy, Jordan Whittington, Adonai Mitchell, and Ja’Tavion Sanders are all difference-makers for the Longhorns in the receiving corps and can cause issues for Alabama in the secondary. The Texas running game is going to be by committee and that’s going to be more questionable with how good this Alabama defense is and has potential to be. Dallas Turner at linebacker and Kool-Aid McKinstry at cornerback are the leaders for the Crimson Tide on defense and will have issues against this Texas offense.
The Alabama offense went with Jalen Milroe as their new quarterback in Week 1 and he looked good both passing and running for Alabama. The key will be Alabama’s run game with Jase McClellan leading the way to go with Milroe. Alabama’s receiving corps is still questionable and isn’t the receiving corps we’ve normally seen from Alabama. They don’t have any receiver on the level of Julio Jones, Amari Cooper, or DeVonta Smith, but Ja’Corey Brooks, Malik Benson, and Isaiah Bond are solid, with Jermaine Burton adding a touchdown grab on Saturday in the opener as well.
The Texas defensive line facing Alabama’s offensive line might be the biggest difference in the game because both lines are great. Jaylan Ford is also a matchup to watch against the Alabama running game at linebacker. The Texas secondary is filled with seniors and should present issues for the receiving corps too with Jerrin Thompson at safety and Ryan Watts at cornerback.
This has the feeling of a low-scoring, physical game and because of that the home crowd is going to be a major factor and Alabama hasn’t lost a home game against a non-conference opponent since Nick Saban’s first season. This game is going to be close and back and forth, but a road game for Quinn Ewers in Tuscaloosa seems like it will be too tough. Texas covers the 7-point spread, but Alabama wins because of the home crowd and their defense being able to cause issues for the Texas offense.
The Crimson Tide should be able to do just enough on offense too. Alabama wins 20-17 in a great matchup.
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