Per BetMGM, Alabama Football is a 7.5-point favorite against Texas on Saturday night. Given Bryant-Denny is worth at least three points, and possibly four for the Crimson Tide, the line suggests the teams are fairly even otherwise.
Both teams should be better than last season. However, after the Rice game, some Texas fans are not so sure.
Early in the season, it is impossible to know if the teams are evenly matched. Alabama football fans know the Crimson Tide roster is loaded. Texas has more than a few dudes on its roster as well.
Following the presumption that both rosters provide the player resources needed to win, the game could come down to coaching, matchups and luck. Let’s take a look at some key matchups.
Alabama Football vs. Texas Key Matchups
Texas Receivers vs. Alabama Secondary and Linebackers
The Crimson Tide could be a bit depleted against the Horns if Jalen Key is not 100% or cannot play. If that happens, look for Malachi Moore to move to Safety, Terrion Arnold to Star and Trey Amos to Arnold’s cornerback role. Assuming Devonta Smith is still recovering and not ready for Texas, the sixth DB in Dime would likely be Kristian Story.
Texas returned four of its top five receivers from last season. and added AD Mitchell from Georgia. They are every bit as good combined as the more highly touted group of wideouts for Ohio State. In addition, Texas has a hybrid tight end in J’Tavion Sanders with wide receiver skills. Sanders compares to Amari Niblack but is far more proven.
The secondary is not a weakness for the Crimson Tide, but in game two there will be vulnerabilities. Unless the Tide can keep Quinn Ewers under consistent pressure. Ewers still struggles when throwing past 25 yards. The Tide can play press coverage if Ewers does not have time to choose a second or third receiver option. If he is not pressured, Texas receivers can only be covered for so long.