Week 2 of college football is gearing up for some exciting moments as top teams go head-to-head and new contenders make their presence known. The much-anticipated game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Texas Longhorns is the main attraction in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Alabama heads into the matchup as the frontrunner, boasting odds of -250 in their favor. In last year’s clash, they managed to secure a narrow victory over Texas. However, this time around, they’ll be missing critical players in Bryce Young and Will Anderson Jr. This absence might even out the competition, setting the stage for a thrilling contest.
During Week 1, the Crimson Tide displayed a consistent performance by tallying 14 points in each quarter of their commanding 56-7 triumph over Middle Tennessee. The starting quarterback, Jalen Milroe, completed 13 of 18 passes, amassing 194 yards and recording three touchdowns. Additionally, Milroe played a dual role, leading the team with 48 rushing yards and adding two more touchdowns to his impressive stat line.
Alabama has undertaken an impressive rebuilding effort with its offensive line. Their determination was evident in the matchup against Middle Tennessee State, as the Crimson Tide showcased a renewed commitment to their running game.
Nonetheless, the Texas defensive line poses a challenge. In their opening game of the 2023 season, the Longhorns secured a convincing 37-10 victory against Rice. The UT defense was particularly impressive, allowing a mere 176 yards throughout the game and keeping their opponents from scoring a touchdown until the late stages of the fourth quarter.
Spread
While Texas did experience a sluggish start against Rice in Week 1, only managing to score 16 points in the first half, their 37-10 win fell short of covering the 35.5-point spread. This suggests they might not be fully prepared for this demanding road matchup. Worth noting, Alabama has shown strong performance against the spread, boasting a 14-5-1 record in their last 20 Saturday home games.
Last season, Alabama clinched a nail-biting victory against Texas with a final score of 20-19. This fiercely contested battle took place in Austin and featured seven ties and lead changes, making it a memorable showdown. Notably, this win was the second time in this series for Alabama, with their previous victory dating back to 2010.
Prior to Alabama’s recent successes, from 1902 to 1982, the Longhorns held the upper hand, boasting a 7-0-1 record against Alabama. It’s interesting to note that six out of the ten all-time meetings between the University of Texas (UT) and the University of Alabama (UA) have occurred in postseason games, adding to the historical significance of this rivalry.
Starting out in the betting industry, Henry later found his calling in sports writing. Specializing in soccer, golf, and darts, he also offers insights into a wide array of sports across the globe. After earning a BA Honors degree in Business and Management, Henry advanced through the ranks at William Hill in England. His career isn't just limited to sports; he's also made a mark in Property and Finance, fields in which he remains engaged. Henry now resides in Barcelona, where he enjoys playing golf year-round as part of the Real Federacion Espanola de Golf.
Education
Bachelor of Arts Honors Degree in Business and Management