Title: Alabama to Face Texas in Highly-Anticipated College Football Showdown
Date: September 9, 2023
No. 3 Alabama is gearing up to host No. 11 Texas in a highly-anticipated college football clash at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday night. The matchup between these two blue blood programs is one of the most anticipated nonconference games on the 2023 schedule.
Last season, Alabama narrowly defeated Texas with a 20-19 victory in Austin, Texas. The Crimson Tide relied on a game-winning 33-yard field goal by Will Reichard with only 10 seconds remaining. The result was shocking, as the reigning Heisman winner Bryce Young struggled to get the Alabama offense going. Despite losing starting QB Quinn Ewers early in the game, Texas managed to keep the scoreline close.
Things have changed since then, with Young leaving for the NFL, while Ewers has returned and is determined to finish what he started against the Crimson Tide.
Both teams enter the season with high expectations. Alabama failed to win the SEC title last season, with Georgia taking the top spot. Critics have questioned whether the Nick Saban dynasty has come to an end. On the other hand, Texas has been subject to the “Texas is back” hype, only to disappoint its fans with underwhelming seasons.
Saturday’s game provides an opportunity for both teams to quiet the doubters.
For fans who can’t make it to the stadium, the game will be televised on ESPN at 7 pm ET. Additionally, live streaming will be available on fubo, with a free trial option.
Key details viewers need to know for the Alabama vs. Texas matchup:
1. Impressive performance from Jalen Milroe: Alabama’s QB situation had raised concerns during the offseason, but Jalen Milroe silenced the skeptics with an excellent performance in the previous game. Milroe passed for 194 yards and three touchdowns, while also leading the Tide offense with 48 rushing yards and two more scores.
2. Ewers’ last year’s performance: Despite being limited to a field goal while Ewers was on the field during last year’s matchup, his skills were evident. Ewers completed 9 of 12 passes for 134 yards before leaving the game with a shoulder injury. Texas’ offense looked crisp and explosive with Ewers, leaving fans wondering what could have been if he hadn’t been injured.
3. Saban’s dominance against former assistants: Nick Saban’s former assistants have struggled to defeat him, with a combined record of 2-28. However, it’s essential to note that coaches who have never worked under Saban have also found it challenging to best him. Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of Texas, highlighted this point, emphasizing that Saban’s success extends beyond his former assistants.
In terms of predictions, despite Texas usually underperforming, some believe they have a chance to win outright due to their talent and having the better QB. If Alabama does manage to win, it may not be by more than a touchdown, leading some to bet on Texas with the points.
Don’t miss the exciting matchup between Alabama and Texas this Saturday as two college football powerhouses face off.