Texas vs. Alabama predictions: Odds, picks and best college football promos for Week 2

This is the game of the weekend and it could have national championship implications. Both teams fancy themselves strong candidates for the College Football Playoff and a victory in this game would boost their resume.

No. 3 Alabama hosts No. 11 Texas on Saturday night in Tuscaloosa, Alabama as a 7-point favorite. Here are Texas vs. Alabama predictions, odds, picks and a list of the best college football promos and bonuses for Sept. 9.

Texas vs. Alabama odds, preview and prediction: Alabama -7.5 points (-105 or better)

Alabama is ranked third in the country and still smarting over not making last year’s College Football Playoff. The best way to help rectify that situation? Start by defeating the 11th-ranked Texas Longhorns (7 p.m. ET, ESPN).

Alabama opened its season with a 56-7 victory over Middle Tennessee. Alabama playing such a weak opponent makes it difficult to evaluate new Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe.

He played well, completing 13-of-18 passes for 194 yards and three touchdowns. Milroe replaced Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young as the Alabama quarterback.

Texas didn’t have much trouble with in-state opponent Rice, winning 37-10. The biggest Longhorns controversy was coach Steve Sarkisian not playing top quarterback recruit Arch Manning, of the famous Manning quarterbacking family.

Sarkisian stayed with starter Quinn Ewers, who was 19-of-30 passing for 260 yards and three touchdowns.

There is coaching intrigue in this game as Sarkisian was a former assistant coach under Alabama’s Nick Saban. In 30 games against his former assistant coaches, Saban has a 28-2 record. Sarkisian was Saban’s offensive coordinator in 2019-20.

In last year’s meeting in Austin, Alabama won, 20-19, on a 33-yard field goal with 10 seconds to play.

Texas leads the all-time series, 7-2-1. Texas will join the Southeastern Conference next season, so we will see this Longhorns-Crimson Tide game most years.

Alabama might have too much strength along the lines, which is its tradition. And with a home crowd at Bryant-Denny Stadium, the Crimson Tide have a clear edge.

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College football promo codes for Sept. 9: Best sportsbooks for Week 2 college football best bets

Here are the top college football promos and bonuses available for Week 2: 

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