Alabama Football: Three Bold Predictions for Bama vs Texas

With no. 11 Texas coming to town to play no. 3 Alabama Football, game predictions have been all over the place, ranging from a Bama blowout to a Texas upset.

The Crimson Tide needs a convincing win to further prove it is a national title contender, while Texas needs a respectable showing to confirm that it is a legitimate top-10 caliber team.

With blue-chip talent all over the field and two relatively unproven but potentially explosive quarterbacks, this game carries a lot of volatility and uncertainty.

Last week against MTSU, my bold predictions were as follows:

• Jalen Milroe slams the door on the Alabama QB competition
• Alabama produces two 100-yard rushers
• The Alabama defense pitches another season-opening shutout

While Jalen Milroe played really well, only one of these three predictions hit.

I expected Bama to lean much more heavily on the ground game, but instead it worked the vertical passing game a little more than I anticipated while spreading the carries around to several backs. By the game’s end, Milroe led Bama with 48 rushing yards, and Jase McClellan led all Tide running backs with just 39 yards.

The Alabama defense played well in general, but surrendered a late third-quarter touchdown to spoil the shutout.

With that being said, here are my three bold predictions for Alabama vs Texas.

1. Alabama Football will produce a 100-yard rusher

This still feels bold, given that the Texas defense is stiff against the run. Additionally, the Alabama running game looks like it will assume more of a committee approach this season, which isn’t typically conducive to producing a 100-yard back.

Still, I think there is enough talent both in the RB room and on the offensive line to yield success on the ground for the Tide. Senior Jase McClellan and sophomore Jam Miller (who should be full speed this week after dealing with a minor injury in the preseason) are the most likely candidates to reach the century mark.

Jalen Milroe could also be an X-factor here. The redshirt sophomore quarterback might be the most potent running threat on the Bama roster.

Even without sustained success on the ground, which I believe Bama will have, one big play could allow this prediction to hit. Last season in Austin, McClellan gained 97 yards on just six carries on the strength of an 81-yard burst.

2. Alabama Football forces two Quinn Ewers turnovers

The new and improved Alabama defense under coordinator Kevin Steele will get its first chance to prove its worth on a national stage tonight. The Bama defense is a disruptive group, led by a deep and aggressive collection of pass rushers and a ball-hawking secondary.

The unit forced a pair of turnovers last week on a Jaylen Key interception and a Kendrick Blackshire strip and fumble recovery.

The Texas offense will have to face this vaunted defense in an environment unlike anything it has ever seen. Bryant-Denny Stadium will be absolutely raucous when the Bama defense is on the field.

For these reasons, I expect the Tide to force a couple of Quinn Ewers mistakes. In 10 games in 2022, Ewers committed seven turnovers, including six interceptions and one lost fumble (two total).

Why not get specific? How about a Dallas Turner strip sack and a pick-six by freshman safety Caleb Downs? Bryant-Denny would explode.

3. Quarterback Jalen Milroe plays his best game yet for Alabama Football

This prediction is also tough, considering Milroe accounted for five touchdowns just a week ago. However, I don’t think Milroe has to score five touchdowns or connect on 3-3 deep balls to play a better overall game this week.

In fact, it’s more important for the Bama signal-caller to continue to show progress in terms of looking comfortable in the pocket, sustaining drives, and protecting the football.

If he can do this consistently, he will become incredibly tough to defend as a dual-threat quarterback.

I think he will show proficiency throwing the ball against Texas, and will again hit a couple of deep shots to keep the Longhorns’ defense honest. On top of throwing well, I think Milroe makes one of his signature explosive plays on the ground to break this game open.

Check back with Bama Hammer for postgame updates. Roll Tide!