Texas vs. Alabama Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Quinn Ewers Lead Texas Past Bama in Week 2?

Texas vs. Alabama Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Texas Pull Off Upset Second Time Around?

Last year, the Texas Longhorns almost upset the Alabama Crimson Tide at home. They lost 20-19, even after QB Quinn Ewers was injured and unable to return. Texas hopes he'll be able to play the entire game on Saturday. There's more hype around this Texas program this season compared to last. They're ranked 11th in the AP Poll and will likely be in the top ten once Week 2's AP Polls come out. On the other hand, the Alabama Crimson Tide is considered a top-five team in college football. However, they've got question marks at quarterback, while Texas doesn't. Will quarterback play be the difference in this likely top-ten matchup on ESPN?

Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Saturday's game between the Texas Longhorns vs. Alabama Crimson Tide.

Texas vs. Alabama Date, Start Time, and Where to Watch

• Date: September 9, 2023
• Game Time: 7:00 pm ET
• Where to Watch: ABC

Texas vs. Alabama Odds

• Spread: Alabama -7.5 (-110), Texas +7.5 (-110)
• Total Odds: O/U 56.5 (-110)
• Moneyline Odds: Alabama (-310), Texas (+250)

Texas vs. Alabama Injury Report

Texas

Questionable: RB CJ Baxter (Ribs)

Alabama

No Injuries Reported

Texas vs. Alabama Prediction

I'm not so sure we learned much about either team in Week 1. The Texas Longhorns defeated Rice 37-10. The Longhorns started the game a bit slow, but Texas earned victory after a 21-point third quarter. Quinn Ewers threw 19-of-30 for 260 yards. He also added three touchdowns and no interceptions but averaged 8.7 yards per passing play. The run game wasn't entirely impressive either. The team added just 4.1 yards per rush against Rice. I thought that could've improved. However, Texas added multiple carries for at least 16 yards. They broke through at times. It was also clear that Xavier Worthy is the No. 1 wideout for Ewers. Worthy added seven catches for 90 yards. No other player had more than four catches or more than 47 yards. Defensively, Texas added three takeaways and took care of the ball, giving up no turnovers. The Longhorns were also disciplined and added just five penalties for 40 yards. Meanwhile, Alabama added a 56-7 win over Middle Tennessee State. The Crimson Tide were extremely consistent, scoring 14 points every quarter. It took Alabama until game week to announce its starting quarterback. That's never a good sign. However, Jalen Milroe executed well, adding 13 completions for 194 yards and three touchdowns. Milroe also led the team in rushing yards with 48 and added two more rushing touchdowns against Middle Tennessee State in that game. Still, no running back added 40+ rushing yards. But the run game still earned over 200 yards on the ground. They just gave opportunities to a lot of players. No running back even had more than ten carries in the game. Defensively, Alabama held Middle Tennessee State to 211 yards. They also won the turnover battle by two, with one forced fumble and an interception. Alabama had the "easier" game in Week 1. But they'll be home for Week 2, and I thought Milroe looked great at quarterback for the Crimson Tide. I'll grab Alabama -7.

Texas vs. Alabama Pick

• PICK: Alabama -7 -110 (Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds)

College Football Odds

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