“Showdown in the South: Where and How to Watch Alabama vs. Texas Live”

Alabama vs. Texas: A Clash of College Football Blue Bloods

Introduction

In one of the most highly anticipated nonconference matchups of the 2023 college football season, No. 3 Alabama Crimson Tide will host No. 11 Texas Longhorns at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This game is a rematch of last year’s thrilling encounter, where Alabama narrowly escaped with a 20-19 victory on a late field goal. Both teams come into this game with high expectations, with Alabama looking to reclaim its position atop the SEC and Texas aiming to prove that they truly are “back.”

The State of the Programs

Alabama, despite being perennial contenders, failed to win the SEC last season and has been in the shadow of the rising Georgia Bulldogs. Critics have started questioning whether the Nick Saban dynasty has come to an end. On the other hand, Texas, known for the annual tradition of claiming to be “back,” has faced disappointment year after year. Both teams now have an opportunity to silence the doubters and make a statement in this highly anticipated showdown.

Jalen Milroe’s Impact

One of the key factors to watch in this matchup is Alabama’s quarterback, Jalen Milroe. After concerns about the QB battle this offseason, Milroe showed tremendous promise in the Tide’s previous game. He threw for 194 yards and three touchdowns while also leading the team in rushing with 48 yards and two more scores. Although it was against Middle Tennessee, this performance will undoubtedly boost Milroe’s confidence heading into this crucial game against Texas.

Quinn Ewers’ Return

Texas will be relying on quarterback Quinn Ewers, who was knocked out of last year’s meeting with Alabama due to a shoulder injury. Before the injury, Ewers showcased his potential, completing 9 of 12 passes for 134 yards. The Longhorns’ offense looked crisp and explosive with Ewers at the helm, leaving fans wondering what could have been if he had stayed in the game. His return brings a sense of optimism and adds another layer of intrigue to this already captivating matchup.

The Saban Dynasty and Former Assistants

Nick Saban’s dominance in college football is undeniable, and his former assistants have struggled to find success when facing him. With a record of 2-28 against Saban, it is clear that his coaching tree has struggled to outmatch him. However, it is worth noting that coaches who have never worked under Saban have also found it challenging to defeat the legendary Alabama coach. Despite the impressive record, it is crucial to acknowledge the overall difficulty of facing Saban, regardless of past affiliations.

Game Prediction

In this clash of college football blue bloods, the spread favors Alabama with -7 points. However, Tom Fornelli of SportsLine predicts an upset, taking Texas to win the game outright. Fornelli believes that Texas has a talented team and possesses a better quarterback in this matchup. While acknowledging Alabama’s consistent success, he does not see the Crimson Tide winning by more than a touchdown.