Longhorns Wire staff predictions for Texas vs. Alabama

Texas will host No. 1 Alabama in front of what is expected to be a record-breaking crowd in Austin on Saturday.

Several national media networks will be present for their respective pregame shows, adding to the hype ahead of this matchup between two historically strong programs.

Alabama is certainly deserving of its No. 1 ranking. Texas is a fairly young and inexperienced squad. However, anything can happen in college football on any given day.

Many national media experts are predicting the Crimson Tide to comfortably defeat the Longhorns in Week 2. Does the staff at Longhorns Wire feel the same way? Here are our score predictions for the Texas-Alabama matchup on Saturday.

CJ Mumme

Texas looked like an improved team in its opener against UL Monroe. The Longhorns played relatively clean football, tackled well and created some big plays on special teams.

Alabama provides a much more significant challenge this week. The Crimson Tide is rightfully the No. 1 team in the nation. It is led by superstar quarterback Bryce Young and edge rusher Will Anderson. Texas is going to get Alabama’s best shot in this premier nonconference matchup.

Texas has the firepower on offense to keep the game close early, but I expect Alabama to outclass the Longhorns and pull away for a comfortable victory.

Prediction: Alabama 48, Texas 24

Joey Hickey

I think Texas has a chance here, but I don’t have the guts to predict they win. The Texas run defense looked dramatically better Saturday. The offensive line also exceeded expectations in the opener. Hayden Conner looked excellent in pass protection and Cole Hutson did just enough to open gaps in the run game.

However, Alabama is just too talented across the field. My heart says Texas wins, 39-38, on a two-point conversion in overtime. My head says Alabama wins convincingly.

Prediction: Alabama 56, Texas 24

Cami Griffin

I truly…