Texas Longhorns Lose for the Third Time in a Row to No. 2 Alabama

Texas Longhorns’ Streak of Losses to Alabama: A Deep Dive into the Rivalry and the 2024 Matchup

The Texas Longhorns have long been a powerhouse in college football, their legacy etched in championship titles, legendary players, and iconic games. However, in recent years, one team that has consistently stymied their efforts on the big stage has been the Alabama Crimson Tide. In 2024, Texas found itself once again on the losing end of a matchup against Alabama, marking a third consecutive loss to the formidable SEC giant.

This analysis delves into the history between these two teams, the key moments from each of the games in their recent rivalry, and what these losses mean for Texas moving forward. Additionally, we will explore Alabama’s continued dominance under coach Nick Saban, who has cemented himself as one of the greatest coaches in college football history.

Historical Context: The Texas-Alabama Rivalry

While the Texas Longhorns and Alabama Crimson Tide have not been consistent regular opponents in recent years, their matchups have been high-stakes affairs. The most memorable of their past encounters came in the 2009 BCS National Championship Game, where Alabama defeated Texas 37-21, a win that solidified the Crimson Tide’s dominance under Saban and handed the Longhorns a painful loss.

Since then, the teams have met sporadically, but the rivalry has always been intense due to their respective traditions of success. Texas, with its own storied history and blue-chip recruits, has often been considered one of the few programs capable of challenging Alabama for supremacy in college football. Their clashes have embodied the tension between the up-and-coming power and the established juggernaut of college football.

The 2022 and 2023 Matchups: Building Tension

The Longhorns and Crimson Tide met again in 2022, when Alabama hosted Texas at Bryant-Denny Stadium in a game that was much closer than many anticipated. Despite Alabama’s dominance in recent years, the Longhorns put up a fierce fight, only narrowly losing 20-19. This close contest served as a testament to the resilience of Texas football under head coach Steve Sarkisian, who was familiar with Saban’s methods having served as an assistant coach at Alabama prior to taking the Texas job.

The following year, in 2023, Texas hosted Alabama at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium. This time, the Longhorns emerged victorious with a 34-24 win, marking a turning point for the program and signaling that Texas was indeed capable of competing at the highest level. The win was not just significant for the Longhorns, but for college football at large, as it was seen as a sign that the SEC’s dominance could be challenged by teams outside of the conference.

The 2024 Season: A Pivotal Year for Texas

Entering the 2024 season, both teams had their eyes on the future, with Texas joining the SEC as part of a major conference realignment. This move was seen as a new chapter for Texas football, as the program would no longer be a member of the Big 12, and instead would face off against the likes of Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and other perennial SEC powerhouses.

For Alabama, 2024 was about continuing its reign as one of the most dominant teams in college football. The Crimson Tide had consistently recruited at a high level, and their experience in the SEC made them the team to beat. With a veteran coaching staff and one of the most talented rosters in the nation, Alabama was expected to continue its march toward the College Football Playoff.

For Texas, however, the stakes were higher. The move to the SEC meant that the Longhorns would have to prove themselves against some of the toughest competition in the nation. A successful debut season in the SEC would establish Texas as a legitimate contender, while a series of losses would raise serious questions about their ability to compete at the highest level.

The 2024 Game: A Third Consecutive Loss

The game on November 17, 2024, between Texas and Alabama became a pivotal moment in the season for both teams. Alabama was the No. 2 ranked team in the country, and Texas, despite its promising season, was still trying to find its rhythm as an SEC newcomer. The game was played in Tuscaloosa, where Alabama has historically been nearly unbeatable, especially in high-stakes matchups.

The first half of the game was an intense battle, with both teams exchanging blows. Texas showed moments of brilliance on both offense and defense, with quarterback Quinn Ewers looking poised to lead the Longhorns to an upset victory. However, Alabama’s defense, under the leadership of Nick Saban, proved to be too much for Texas to overcome. The Crimson Tide’s defensive line pressured Ewers throughout the game, forcing him into a number of hurried throws that resulted in turnovers.

Alabama’s offense was efficient, with Jalen Milroe playing a stellar game under center. Milroe connected on deep throws and kept Texas’s defense on its heels, constantly stretching the field. Running back Jase McClellan was also a key contributor, helping to control the clock and wear down the Texas defense with a series of strong runs.

As the game wore on, it became clear that Alabama’s depth and experience were too much for Texas to handle. Despite a valiant effort from the Longhorns, Alabama won the game 31-20, marking their third consecutive victory over Texas in the last three seasons.

What Went Wrong for Texas?

The loss to Alabama in 2024 served as a harsh reminder of the challenges Texas faces in adjusting to life in the SEC. Despite a strong performance in the early stages of the game, Texas was unable to execute consistently enough to close out the game. The offensive line struggled to protect Ewers, and the Longhorns were unable to establish a balanced attack. Their defense, while competitive at times, allowed Alabama to control the tempo with long drives and key explosive plays.

One area where Texas has struggled against Alabama is in the battle in the trenches. The Crimson Tide’s defensive front has been dominant, and this game was no different. The Alabama defense, led by players like Will Anderson Jr., controlled the line of scrimmage and prevented Texas from generating a consistent rushing attack. This forced the Longhorns to rely too heavily on Ewers to make plays in the passing game, which was a risky proposition against an Alabama defense that thrives on applying pressure.

Alabama’s Continued Dominance

For Alabama, the victory further solidified their position as one of the top teams in the country. Despite some early-season struggles, the Crimson Tide showed their depth, resilience, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Nick Saban, ever the tactician, had his team ready for a tough matchup, and Alabama executed its game plan flawlessly.

This win also kept Alabama on track for a potential College Football Playoff berth, with the Crimson Tide looking to continue their pursuit of another national championship. In a season filled with potential contenders, Alabama’s dominance remained apparent, as they continued to hold off challengers and reaffirm their place at the top of college football.

What’s Next for Texas?

For Texas, the road ahead is filled with challenges. The Longhorns will need to take a hard look at their performance against Alabama and learn from the experience. The loss highlighted the need for improvement in several areas, including offensive line play, defensive consistency, and overall depth.

Coach Steve Sarkisian will need to continue developing young talent and refining his schemes to better compete with SEC teams. Texas has the resources, recruiting base, and tradition to eventually challenge Alabama and other SEC teams for supremacy, but it will take time for the program to adjust to the rigors of the conference.