Big, bad Alabama? Not anymore. Texas football had nothing to fear

No. 10 Texas defeats No. 3 Alabama in a defining victory, highlighting the Crimson Tide's vulnerabilities and Texas' strength.

In a stunning victory, Texas defeated Alabama with a score of 34-24. This win marks a significant moment for Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of Texas, as he becomes the third former assistant of Nick Saban to defeat him in the past three years. However, it is important to note that this is not the Alabama team of old. While victories against Alabama are still noteworthy, they are becoming more frequent. Alabama has now lost five times in their last 25 games.

This season was supposed to showcase Alabama's dominance, but without their star quarterback Bryce Young, they appeared beatable. Texas took full advantage of this opportunity, outplaying Alabama in every aspect of the game. Quarterback Quinn Ewers had a standout performance, throwing for 349 yards and connecting with Xavier Worthy for a crucial touchdown in the second quarter.

Although Texas briefly lost their lead in the third quarter, they quickly regained control of the game. Alabama's grip on their dominance is not as strong as it once was. Texas fought back with a strong fourth-quarter offense led by Ewers. This victory solidifies Texas as a force to be reckoned with in the SEC, as they will join the conference next year.

The SEC has had a rough start to the season, with a 1-4 record against ranked opponents. This does not bode well for a conference that prides itself on being the best in college football. The clash between Texas and Alabama drew a crowd of notable figures, including Matthew McConaughey and SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. This game was seen as a glimpse into the future, as Texas and Oklahoma will be leaving the Big 12 next summer.

For Texas, this win holds historical significance. It is their first victory against Alabama since the 1982 Cotton Bowl. Under Sarkisian's leadership, the Longhorns have shown a new level of competitiveness and skill. They played tough, fundamentally sound football, and most importantly, they had the better quarterback.

Alabama, on the other hand, made numerous mistakes throughout the game. Penalties negated two potential touchdowns, and their offense struggled to find momentum. Their run game was lackluster, pass protection was insufficient, and their wide receivers were unable to create separation from the Texas defense.

In their previous meeting in 2022, Alabama narrowly escaped with a victory thanks to a fourth-quarter comeback led by Bryce Young. However, with Young now in the NFL and Texas armed with a healthy Ewers, the Longhorns claimed superiority in this matchup.

Texas displayed fearlessness on the field, and Sarkisian called an aggressive game. Their touchdown drive that ended with Ewers' 44-yard pass to Worthy showcased their willingness to take deep shots down the field. Texas also showed resilience by quickly responding with two touchdowns after Alabama briefly took the lead. Their defense played a crucial role in their victory, shutting down Alabama's offense that seemed to lack playmakers.

Looking ahead, Texas' strong defense should position them as contenders for a conference championship in their final season in the Big 12. Their transition to the SEC should also be smooth, as they have proven themselves capable of competing with the best teams in the country. The tide is shifting, and Texas is ready to make their mark in their new conference.