Texas Longhorns vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Game Predictions
Everyone knows how last year's near upset of the then-No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide went in Austin.
There were question marks left after that game as to how the Texas Longhorns would have fared had quarterback Quinn Ewers not gotten injured. Now, Ewers and the Longhorns will get their shot at redemption trying to avenge last year's defeat.
Here are Longhorns Country's predictions for the rematch between No. 11 Texas and No. 3 Alabama Saturday at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Matt Galatzan, Publisher
Texas has come a long way under Steve Sarkisian. And last season, they nearly took down the Alabama juggernaut in Austin. Tuscaloosa will be a different animal, making this arguably the biggest test of the Sarkisian era. The last time they played in an SEC environment, they got throttled by Arkansas. I don't think it will be the same result here.
That said, Nick Saban has only lost eight home games in 16 years with the Tide, only one of which was to a non-conference opponent (UL Monroe 2007). I think it will be tough for Texas to buck that trend. I've gone back and forth, but I think the Tide pulls out a win.
Alabama, 28 Texas 24
Zach Dimmitt, Deputy Editor
Last season, the Longhorns' failures were defined by multiple one-score losses, including the 20-19 heart-breaking defeat to Alabama. Moral victory or not, Texas showed it could
When the Longhorns hit the field in Tuscaloosa on Saturday, they'll show once again that they belong and are ready to take that the next step into the SEC. However, proof of that won't come as a result of the final score, as the Longhorns have yet to show that they can finish a big game. Things should be tight throughout, but it feels inevitable that the Tide will pull away with a win.
Alabama 23, Texas 20
Casey Smith, Staff Writer
In top-15 matchups, the team that threw more effectively last year lost more often than not. In 15 games in 2022 where both teams were ranked in the top 15, teams that out-gained their opponent through the air were 5-10, whereas those who out-rushed the opposition were 11-4.
Another wrinkle in these matchups is home team dominance, going 11-3 (Oregon-Georgia was a neutral-site game). Alabama has not only home field advantage, but has a deeper backfield which will also take pressure off quarterback Jalen Milroe. Give me the Crimson Tide.
Alabama 34, Texas 24
Cole Thompson, Staff Writer
Much like last season, this all comes down to Quinn Ewers. The then-freshman came out hot in the first quarter at home and looked ready to pull off the upset before a hit from Dallas Turner changed the course of history and the outcome. Ewers’ season-opening performance was fine against a team like Rice, but it won’t suffice against a defense like Alabama’s. Deep ball accuracy is key here, an area of weakness last week against the Owls. If there’s a rapport with Ewers and Xavier Worthy 20-plus yards downfield, there’s reason for optimism.
Nick Saban has lost five times at Bryant-Denny Stadium since 2012, and hasn’t dropped a game to a non-conference opponent since 2007. As good as Texas is on paper, it’s hard to argue with history.
Alabama 30, Texas 24
Connor Zimmerlee, Staff Writer
This time last year, no one predicted anything other than a blowout loss for Texas against Alabama. However, the Longhorns kept the game close until the final whistle with a hobbled backup quarterback. Now, with Quinn Ewers hopefully playing the full game, they look to go on the road in a hostile environment and pull off the upset win. Once again this will be a close one, but Texas will come up just of the marquee win.
Alabama 31 Texas 30
Tori Garcia, Staff Writer
After a one-point deficit game last season that left both Texas and Alabama fans speechless and in shock, this season the Longhorns will be looking for revenge while the Tide hope to uphold a more dominant and consistent lead over Texas. Alabama took control at the end of the game last year and ultimately came out with the win, however, week two this season will be a whole new ballgame - both the Longhorns and the Tide are completely new teams. Both teams will be missing key aspects of their roster that aided them in success last year, Texas without powerhouse running back Bijan Robinson and Alabama without Heisman-winning quarterback Bryce Young. However, a similar outcome to the 2022 season is expected in week two. Alabama will be using its two losses from last season as fuel to re-enter into the College Football Playoff, and that could be dangerous for the Longhorns.
Alabama 24, Texas 13
Kevin Borba, Staff Writer
If you asked me to write this two weeks ago I would have picked Texas to win by double digits, but seeing the Longhorns' struggles in Week 1 has changed my perspective. Quinn Ewers is still having the exact same issues he had all of last season, and the offensive line struggling against Rice doesn't create confidence. I think Jalen Milroe will hurt Texas with his legs a ton, and Nick Saban will get the best of another one of his former assistants.
Alabama 35, Texas 28
