Jim Nagy excited for battle between Alabama offensive line, Texas defensive line

When Alabama and Texas kickoff on Saturday, all eyes in the college football world will be on Tuscaloosa. Two of the biggest programs will be facing off against one another and it’s likely going to be a top-15 matchup. Plenty of battles will take place across the field, with the goal being winning the overall war.

Senior Bowl director Jim Nagy is excited to see the Alabama offensive line go up against the Texas defensive line. An improved group for DL coach Bo Davis in Austin will be going up against a revamped front for head coach Nick Saban. Some big dudes will clash at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

“I will be interested to see the Texas defensive line against this Alabama offensive line,” Nagy said during Monday’s episode of Andy Staples On3. “I mean, Alabama’s offensive line played great last week… But Texas has a good front, they really do. I’ll be looking in the trenches, really because that’s really where a lot of guys are for this year’s game.”

Alabama has done a great job rebuilding the offensive line. Clint Lamb of On3’s BOL recently pointed out the average lineman is listed at 6-5, 339.4 pounds. They looked up for the challenge against Middle Tennessee State, with the Crimson Tide getting back to running the ball.

However, the Texas defensive line will present a different kind of challenge. Nagy is going to have his eyes on a few players on Pete Kwiatkowski‘s unit, including the preseason Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year at linebacker.

“T’Vondre Sweat, Alfred Collins,” Nagy said. “(Jaylan) Ford, the MIKE linebacker will be guys I’m focused on.”

Alabama WR Jermaine Burton catching the eye of Jim Nagy

When going to evaluate Alabama players, you have to look at the wide receivers. The position has been so rich over the past few years in Tuscaloosa, producing five first-round picks. Had John Metchie not torn his ACL, you could have been one of the first 32 selections as well.

Jermaine Burton might not be at that level but he still has the attention of Nagy. Watching him go up against the Texas defensive back room will be a great test for the veteran wide receiver.

“Jermaine Burton at Alabama is a skill guy that’s got a chance to be (at the Senior Bowl),” Nagy said. “He’s going up a Texas secondary that’s got five guys on our watch list. So, there will be some good matchups there.”