Longhorns Viewed As Underdogs Regardless Of Opponent For National Championship Game
While it may be Christmas, FanDuel didn't care about sparing the feelings of Texas Longhorns fans.
They recently released odds for every championship game scenario, whether it be Washington vs. Alabama or Michigan, or Texas vs. Alabama or Michigan. To the surprise of many, it doesn't matter who Texas will face in the championship if they beat the Huskies to get there, because either way they are underdogs.
The Longhorns are currently viewed as the favorites to beat Washington according to ESPN, which has them as 4.5-point favorites with a 69.2-percent chance of winning.
Texas Longhorns take the field
Jay Janner/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK
However, if they win that first game they are no longer viewed as the favorites. If they match up against Alabama who they beat pretty convincingly back in Week 2, the Crimson Tide are expected to come in as 2.5-point favorites.
While the game obviously won't be played in Austin, it may as well be due to the fact it will be held in Houston, which should give Texas a significant advantage in the fan aspect.
It will in fact be a different Alabama team, as at that time they weren't even sure if Jalen Milroe was the answer at quarterback. However, he and the Crimson Tide hit their stride in a major once he was handed the reins following a benching against USF, winning 11-straight.
If Alabama loses to Michigan and matches up against Texas, they are viewed as 3-point favorites. They have a ferocious defense that holds their opponents to just 9.4 points a game. It would also be the start of somewhat of a trilogy, as the two teams will face off early next season, and again in 2027.
Texas has played the underdog well in years past, but before they worry about the title game they have beat a dangerous Washington team.
