Exciting college football clashes are in store this weekend for Tennessee bettors. Among the captivating choices lies a betting prospect featuring the 11th ranked Texas Longhorns (1-0) taking on the third ranked Alabama Crimson Tide (1-0).

When: September 9, 2023 at 7:00 PM ET

Where: Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Watch: ESPN

Texas Longhorns Preview

The Longhorns finished 8-5 last season, but they have a great opportunity with this year’s team to do much more. They are coming off of a 37-10 victory against the Rice Owls, which they were only up 16-3 at halftime.

So far this season, they accumulated 458 total yards with 300 coming from passing. On defense, they allowed 176 total yards and 149 came from passing. While this is attractive against a weaker Rice team, they will need to make some magic happen against the Crimson Tide.

This was a good opportunity to see how quarterback Quinn Ewers would do from the jump. He completed 19 of 30 passes with 260 yards and three touchdowns. He will need to be more efficient if he wants to win the showdown against the Crimson Tide.

The Longhorns have a roster that can challenge most teams in the country. However, they will need to have a strong offensive, as well as defensive, performance in order to get it done.

Alabama Crimson Tide Preview

The Crimson Tide finished first in the SEC West last year with a 11-2 record. Their seasons typically wrap around championship or bust, with this one not being any different. They are returning to action after a 56-7 routing of the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders.

They were able to attack with a strong passing and running game, as they put up 431 total yards with 226 coming from passing. They allowed 211 total yards from MTSU, with 133 coming from passing. This was a nice warm up to show what they are capable of, but now is the time for them to show a competitive team what they can accomplish.

Quarterback Jalen Milroe showed how good he could be this season, as he completed 13 of 18 passing attempts with 194 yards. He had three touchdowns passing, but also had seven carries himself that led to two touchdowns.

While the Crimson Tide arguably have a lot of the best players in the nation in certain positions, they will get a quality test against their wide receivers and defensive line. This is also the time that they must defend themselves in order to chase the playoffs at the end of the season.

Betting Odds

Embrace the excitement of college football wagering in Tennessee with ZenSports Tennessee sportsbook, where the Crimson Tide holds a slight edge while they aim to secure victory on their home turf.

Texas Longhorns:

Spread: +7 (-110)

Alabama Crimson Tide:

Spread: -7 (-110)

Totals: Over 54.5 (-110), Under 54.5 (-110)

Last year’s meeting between these two teams finished with Alabama winning 20-19. The rosters have changed a handful for both sides for the better, but it should be another close battle.

Photo Credit: © Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports