Saturday Spotlight

(11) Texas Longhorns at (3) Alabama Crimson Tide

Texas: I’ll be honest with you. I was nervous when I saw them get on the field against the Rice Owls because in this sport, no matter the level, teams can overlook the opponents everyone feels they are supposed to dominate. I said this on the “Sports Cubicle” years ago and I will say it again. There is no such thing as an easy game in our sport and I say that because anyone can be beat on any given Thursday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday. However, they were able to handle business in week one over Rice and I saw a complete performance on both sides of the football. What I am also implying is they didn’t overlook their opponent, especially when a big game is on the schedule next. Unfortunately, teams have a tendency to feel that they can just show up because they are the more superior team and I will continue to dispute that and say it’ll never work that way. It’s been some down years for this program. I remember during the Mack Brown days, The Texas Longhorns won nine or more games from 1999 until 2009 and ten games or more between 2001 and 2009. It’s tough to duplicate what a Hall of Famer has done. This was also a program that was a player for every top recruit in the nation as well. Every time they win a game, we always hear “Texas is back”. I actually picked them to win the Big-12 this year. From a talent perspective, this is one of the better Longhorns teams and I’m not just saying that because they were able to land Arch Manning. Yes, they went 8-5 last year and lost some close battles against Alabama, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, TCU and a bowl loss against Washington. Tonight, they will do battle with the Fighting Saban’s as I call them.

Alabama: We all know how this works. They have one of the five best teams in college football before Spring ball starts, they’re an elite team during the season and after Conference Championship Saturday and the playoff committee also knows you’re one of the best teams in the country. The mantra is simple at this point. Win, lose one game and you’re a playoff team. At this point, that’s the DNA of this program. Last season was a different story for them. They lost two games and we all know if you lose that many games during the regular season, that automatically disqualifies you from a spot in the College Football Playoff. I remember people trying to debate me about Alabama making it last year and how the committee loves the Tide, but the same rules apply to them as well. Two losses and you’re done for, until next season when the playoff brackets expand. One thing I noticed last year was the Crimson Tide not having that normal array of standout Wide Receivers. I’ve seen them win each of their titles and a few things were all the same, they had the power running game and they consistently converted on third downs. Last year didn’t represent their best work, but they still averaged 477 yards per game along with 41 points per contest. They did what they were supposed to do in week one against Middle Tennessee and that’s start fast and put the game away early. Jalen Milroe didn’t have the eye popping numbers as he went 13 of 18 with 194 yards passing and three touchdowns. He was also their leading rusher as well. For them to get back to playing championship level football, everything must be clicking on all cylinders for them. They welcome Steve Sarkisian’s Longhorns to town tonight.

Texas X-Factor: Ethan Burke– You will hear this name a bit this season. Linebacker Jaylan Ford might be the Longhorns best defensive player, but watch Ethan as well. He stands tall at 6’6 and weighs 257 pounds. Ethan has an excellent first step to set the edge and win his one-on-one battles. Even when he’s blocked, he has those long arms in which he uses as shields and gets his hands up to knock the ball down. I always say you can impact the play even if you’re blocked.

Alabama X-Factor: Caleb Downs– It’s rare to see true Freshman start in college football, especially for Nick Saban. Caleb has been compared to Minkah Fitzpatrick, but I don’t see it. Caleb is more physical at the point of attack whereas Minkah was a hybrid and excellent in pass coverage. I like the quickness he displays (Caleb). He will find a way to get to that football and make the play. He’s that hammer of the defense that I always discuss. With Texas having one of the best receiving groups in the country, Caleb is key in this game.

Three Things I’m Watching

1. Ewers vs Tide Secondary– When they met last year, Quinn Ewers was having his way with a stingy Alabama defense. From checking the ball down to extending plays and taking shots down the field, Quinn was on his way to having a big game until he got hurt which changed the dynamic of this game. Almost a year later, I’m anxious to see how the Tide’s defense, more so the secondary will come out this time around.

2. Unappreciated?– Alabama isn’t gaining the chatter they always do. It’s definitely a different feel from years past. They were very efficient in the opener against Middle Tennessee. Are you ready for some attitude? Just watch what this Alabama defense will bring to the table tonight. They won’t say much prior to the game because they will show everything on the field. This could be scary because I know they’ve heard all the rumblings and talking.

3. Teacher vs Pupil– We’ve heard this storyline several times in the past. It’s Nick Saban facing a former assistant. Steve Sarkisian was the Alabama Offensive Coordinator for a few seasons before he took the job in Austin as the Longhorns Head Coach. Nick has a strong track record against his former coaches. Does Steve get a rare win against a legendary coach or will Nick show why he’s still Nick Saban?

Final Thoughts: This was a thrilling game a season ago. I said this then and I will say it now, if Quinn Ewers didn’t get hurt, Texas upsets Alabama that day. The Longhorns did everything right except give Bryce Young and company way too much time and the Tide escaped with a one-point victory. Here we go again in week two and both of these teams are ranked this time around! Texas will need to come out and attack, attack and attack some more. I can’t stress this enough. They won’t overpower Bama in the trenches and they won’t be physical enough to pound the football for yards, I’d be attacking the Bama secondary. What hurt Texas in last year’s showdown was the inconsistency shown in the red area. You will not beat this football team kicking field goals. You must score. On the other side, this is a tougher test for Jalen Milroe and the Alabama offense. Can that same efficiency and sharpness from a week ago transfer over to tonight? Also, the Bama secondary against these Texas receivers will also be a matchup to watch. I like the Crimson Tide to keep it rolling with a win tonight.

Prediction: Alabama 34, Texas 24