This key number is just too rich to pass for a Longhorns club that could be reasonably competitive this season. If nothing else, coach Steve Sarkisian's relationship with Alabama coach Nick Saban gives him insight into preparation for Alabama, and Saban isn't the type to look for style points, regardless.

This line has moved from Alabama -13 to Alabama -21 and it still hasn't moved enough. The Tide are head and shoulders above every other team in college football. Quarterback Bryce Young and the offense of Alabama looked unstoppable last week while their defense didn't allow a point. While Texas won by 42 last week, they left a lot to be desired. The Tide should jump out to an early lead and run away with this one. Lay the points.

Alabama has more talent than anyone. The Crimson Tide recruiting classes have ranked first or second nationally each of the last four seasons. Texas has some talented youth too, led by freshman QB Quinn Ewers. The problem is, most of that youth is on the field. Only three longhorn starters on offense are juniors or seniors. The Longhorns are starting two freshmen, including the left tackle, and two sophomores on the offensive line. Alabama's defense has only three underclassmen in the starting and only one in the front seven. Talent and experience favors Bama and the Tide will win more than comfortably.

Everyone and their brother/sister/cousin here at SL seems to think the Tide roll, pun intended. Maybe they do, but Texas isn't some dandy and has a five-star recruit of its own at quarterback in Quinn Ewers plus maybe the nation's top running back in Bijan Robinson. It should be a madhouse in Austin. Sure, you hear how Nick Saban wants to teach Steve Sarkisian a lesson, but it should be noted that Saban has lost two of his past three against former assistants. The hook may actually matter here. Dunno, maybe I just want a reason to care in a game between two teams I hate but who both have awesome campuses (campii?). Do believe UT can stay within 20 at home even if it's a backdoor cover. Are you aware this is Bama's first true road non-conference game since 2011? I think that matters a little.

Alabama will be able to choose its number in this game and I don't think Nick Saban has any inclinations of shutting things down even if the Crimson Tide get a comfortable lead. This 2022 team is trying to establish the kind of edge that will carry them to a national title and the opponent, which does have the potential to be explosive offensively, and the hostile environment will have Alabama keeping the foot on the gas for all four quarters.

I can't trust Texas in this spot. This team allowed 31 points per game last season and couldn't stop any offense with a pulse. Alabama had 55 on the board against Utah State with 10 minutes left in the third quarter last week before pulling its starters. I don't see Texas getting nearly enough stops in this spot, plus Quinn Ewers is making the second start of his career and will probably make a mistake or two to hurt the Horns.

You can't read too much into the Longhorns' 52-10 victory over a bad Louisiana-Monroe team. The Warhawks did not have the personnel to exploit Texas' weaknesses. However, No. 1 Alabama obviously does. Will Anderson & Co. should feast on the Longhorns' inexperienced offensive line, which features two true freshmen, slow running back Bijan Robinson and force freshman QB Quinn Ewers to beat them. Meanwhile reigning Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young faces a defense that managed just 20 sacks last season and gave up too many big plays on the back end. Texas is on its way back, but Saturday won't be close.