NCAAF Week 2: Texas Longhorns vs. Alabama Crimson Tide betting picks, preview

This game has so many great angles of interest — top-rated teams, revenge, master and apprentice — but perhaps the biggest is that these are simply two of the biggest brands in the sport and we should get a raucous environment down in Tuscaloosa. You know you are going to watch, so maybe you should probably pick a side too. 

Texas Longhorns vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Betting Trends and Odds 

Saturday, September 9, 2023 — 7 p.m. ET

Odds: Alabama -7, Over/under 56.5, Alabama -330 | Texas +250

Last year when these teams met at Texas and the Longhorns kept it close, it was supposed to be a sign that the Longhorns were on the way back and that these future rivals were not far off from each other. A year later, Texas is still looking for more proof of concept this season as they prep for life in the SEC. From what we saw in the opener, they still have some work to do. As for Alabama, it looks like they might have found their QB of the future in the super athletic Jalen Milroe. Things are going to be a little different with him directing the offense though. 

Picks for Texas vs. Alabama

Double Result - Alabama/Alabama (-120)

I am trying to get a handle on this game and I am having difficulty with it. I went with this result because in the end, I think Alabama gets the job done and the payout is much better than the straight moneyline at -280. (Just in case you are not familiar, a double result means the Crimson Tide are winning at the half and at the end). Look for Alabama to be able to move the ball on the ground against Texas, using the quarterback and the running backs in ways that we have not seen as much from them in the recent past.

I know it was just the first game of the season but Texas was sluggish against Rice and I worry that on the road, any lack of initial sharpness will build a gap they just won't be able to come back from. Look for a game where Alabama is up couple of scores early and they just trade points the rest of the way after that. This type of wager hedges against a late score that does not alter the outcome.