After a predictably commanding blowout victory over Middle Tennessee State in Week 1, the Alabama Crimson Tide are gearing up for tomorrow’s massive showdown against the Texas Longhorns.
It’s one of the best and juiciest non-conference games of the entire season, as both teams have dreams of a national championship.
Alabama head coach Nick Saban has expressed his sincere respect for the Longhorns, characterizing Texas as “a good barometer” for his team’s abilities.
“This is a really good team all around,” Saban said. “It’s going to be an opportunity for our team to assess where we stand as a unit and where our individual players are in their development.”
“You’re going to play against some really talented players on the Texas side, and that usually says a lot about where you are as a player. This matchup is going to be a good barometer for us to find out where we are as a team.”
“Our primary focus right now is to ensure our guys are prepared to play an exceptional game and execute our game plan effectively.”
The anticipation for this game is heightened due to the memories of last season when Alabama, then ranked #1, traveled to Austin and narrowly escaped with a 20-19 victory against an unranked Longhorn team.
You could certainly make the argument that Texas deserved to win that game.
This time around, the tables have turned slightly in the rankings, with Alabama currently holding the #3 spot in the new AP poll, while Texas is ranked #11. And of course, this year the game is in the rabid confines of Tuscaloosa
Me to Every Texas Fan I see this week pic.twitter.com/w8dTlymWaV
— Nick Saban is Kirby Smart’s Daddy (@BuiltBySaban) September 4, 2023
Who do you think will win – Texas or Alabama?
Will either team make the Playoff this year?