The Texas Longhorns and Alabama Crimson Tide meet Saturday in week 2 college football action at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

Texas Longhorns Betting Preview

The Texas Longhorns look for a statement win after blasting Rice in their season opener. Texas looks for its first 2-0 start since the 2020 season. Quinn Ewers is completing 63.3 percent of his passes for 260 yards, 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington have combined for 137 receiving yards on 11 catches, while Ja’Tavion Sanders has 2 receptions. The Texas Longhorns ground game is averaging 158 yards per contest, and Jaydon Blue leads the way with 55 yards on 10 carries. Defensively, Texas is allowing 10 points and 176 yards per game. David Gbenda leads the Texas Longhorns with 6 tackles, Ethan Burke has 1.5 sacks and Jaylan Ford has 1 interception.

Texas Longhorns Team Facts

• Texas has lost seven of its last eight games against AP-ranked teams.
• Texas has covered the spread in six of its last seven September games against AP-ranked teams.
• Each of Texas’ last six games against top-5 AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.

Alabama Crimson Tide Betting Preview

The Alabama Crimson Tide look for another home win after cruising by MTSU in their season opener. Alabama looks for a 2-0 start for the 20th straight season. Jalen Milroe is completing 72.2 percent of his passes for 194 yards, 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Isaiah Bond and Jermaine Burton have combined for 138 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, while Amari Niblack has 2 receptions. The Alabama Crimson Tide ground game is averaging 205 yards per contest, and Milroe leads the way with 48 yards and 2 touchdowns. Defensively, Alabama is allowing 7 points and 211 yards per game. Caleb Downs leads the Alabama Crimson Tide with 8 tackles, Deontae Lawson has 1 sack and Jaylen Key has 1 interception.

Alabama Crimson Tide Team Facts

• Alabama has won each of its last 29 games in September.
• Alabama has covered the spread in each of its last five home games in September.
• Alabama has won the first half in each of its last 10 games against non-conference opponents at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
• Alabama has won the first quarter in each of its last 16 games against non-conference opponents at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
• Each of Alabama’s last three games as a favorite have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• Alabama ranked 1st among FBS teams for H2 win percentage last season (.923).
• Alabama ranked T2nd among FBS teams for H1 points per game last season (23.0).
• Texas ranked T5th among FBS teams for Q2 win percentage last season (.769).
• Texas was one of only eight FBS teams to lose 3+ games when leading after Q3 last season.

Randy’s Pick

The Texas Longhorns have the talent to pull off an upset here, and they probably should’ve beaten the Tide last season when they lost by just 1 point. The difference here is the Alabama Crimson Tide are just too consistent to bet against, especially with a short line. This is the first time since that 2020 game against Georgia where Alabama has been a favorite of 7 or fewer points. This is just the fifth time since 2017 Alabama has been a favorite of 7 or fewer points. You usually have to lay a lot more chalk with the Tide. I’m taking advantage of this. Give me Alabama and the reasonable chalk.