Chris Fowler believes the margin for error will be thin in the Week 2 showdown between No. 3 Alabama and visiting No. 11 Texas.

During an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, the ESPN broadcaster said he expects the game to come down to the fundamentals and the trenches.

Alabama is coming off a 56-7 victory vs. Middle Tennessee, while Texas topped Rice 37-10 in its season opener.

Fowler thinks that the size of Texas will lend itself to not being bullied by Alabama.

“It’s going to come down to situational football. Texas is big physically. They look the part,” Fowler said. “They’re not going to lose in the warmup the way a lot of opponents do against Alabama.”

In last season’s matchup, Alabama edged Texas 20-19 on a 33-yard field goal from Will Reichard with 10 seconds to go.

Fowler is expecting another low-scoring affair this time in Tuscaloosa.

“I think it’s going to be defense. I think it’s going to be last year’s game was low scoring, so make it an escape, kick a late field goal to escape the game in Austin,” Fowler said. “I think it’s a defensive game this time too. I think Texas feels equipped to deal.”

Meanwhile, Fowler is impressed with Alabama’s sheer girth and strength along the offensive line.

“Alabama’s got 3 guys on the offensive line, Dan, worth 350-plus. Not just huge, it’s not soft weight,” Fowler said. “We’ve never seen an offensive line that can mash people like that. So it’s just going to be big bodies on big bodies.”

Fowler expresses that this matchup has the feel of an NFL contest and that the tempo is going to be moderate.

“And then who can make a play in the red zone, it’s more of a Sunday game that way,” Fowler said. “It’s not going to be a frantic pace, I don’t think. I think they’ll play at a regular pace and it’ll be physical and who can make a play in the red zone.

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe looked strong in Week 1, but Fowler is intrigued to see how the sophomore handles the challenge vs. the Longhorns.

“Alabama’s Jalen Milroe has had 1 start, he looked good, but minimal resistance in the opening game against Middle Tennessee,” Fowler said. “Much tougher assignment for him against Texas. I think points are at a premium.”