Alabama Alum Rece Davis Thinks Crimson Tide 'A Year Away' From Success
The No. 11 Texas Longhorns are set to square off in week 2 in a return-game rematch against a blue blood in the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide.
Both are in the College Football Playoff conversation ahead of this season with this game's implications looming large for the Longhorns. If Texas wins, the blow of a conference-game loss would be softened by winning at Bryant-Denny Stadium against juggernaut Alabama — or perceived juggernaut Alabama?
“[Alabama's] got a ton of young talent,” Rece Davis said on "The Paul Finebaum Show" Monday. “I think they might be a year away because they have a deep roster. But they have a lot of guys that haven’t played a lot who are going to be in key spots. If they can solve the quarterback issue or know who that is going into next year, they might be in a different position.”
Alabama head coach Nick Saban has yet to name a starter ahead of the Crimson Tide's week 1 matchup against Middle Tennessee State. In theory, Saban could roll out Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson and Tyler Buchner to see how they perform, but the questions in the room can't bleed into week 2 against Texas.
The Longhorns' defense stymied former Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 draft pick Bryce Young at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium last season, completing 27 of his 39 pass attempts for 213 yards — his fourth-fewest total all of last season — and just one touchdown.
When the Crimson Tide were forced to throw the football in bunches last season, they struggled. Young's three highest pass attempt totals (52, 51 and 39) came in Alabama's pair of losses and the 20-19 win, respectively, in 2022.
With questions under center in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, forcing it to throw the football might be just what the doctor ordered, especially with running back Jase McClellan returning after a career-best campaign.
If Davis' opinion of Alabama proves true, Texas has the chance to score one of the biggest wins of the season on Sept. 9. If the Crimson Tide continues to slide throughout the season, that's one less program standing in the Longhorns' way to their first-ever CFP appearance.
If their quarterback situation is resolved, though, Texas will be in for a dogfight.
You can follow Casey Smith on Twitter @casey_smith2419
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