Alabama football will host the Tennessee Vols for a highly-anticipated matchup Saturday.
Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CST. The game will be broadcast live on CBS.
The staff at Touchdown Alabama provide their predictions and analysis of the game.
STEPHEN M. SMITH / SENIOR REPORTER
Alabama 31 – Tennessee 10
Key Insight: Alabama will have its best performance of the season on both sides of the ball. Expect the offense to be balanced, but have some creativity. Jalen Milroe should have a good day in the passing game, and Alabama’s OL should take advantage of Tennessee being undersized. Alabama’s defense will be able to affect Joe Milton and stop the run.
JUSTIN SMITH / SCOUTING/RECRUITING ANALYST
Alabama 28 – Tennessee 17
Key Insight: This one has a chance to be tight throughout despite both teams looking a lot different than they did last year. This will be a big challenge for Alabama’s offensive line, who has given up 31 sacks this season. The Vols are one of the best teams at getting after opposing quarterbacks with 24 sacks on the season. Alabama’s run game seemed to pick up some momentum against Arkansas, but it is not where it needs to be heading into this one. A solid run game in this one could be big. Alabama’s defense will need to play similar to or better than what they have played in recent weeks. They will make it tough on the Vols if they do so.
Patrick Dowd / Alabama Beat Reporter
Alabama 27 – Tennessee 21
Key Insight: Last season, the Third Saturday in October provided a classic of high-flying offense and unforgettable plays. This season will be a far cry from last, but it will most certainly be highlight competitive as usual. Josh Heupel’s offense isn’t as dominant through the air, but its ground game will give the Crimson Tide defense a challenge it hasn’t quite seen since Texas. The efficiency of Jalen Milroe will once again be key to the success on offense for Alabama. Another performance like last week won’t cut it, but Alabama will be able to connect on the shots it needs to Jermaine Burton and Isaiah Bond to get its revenge from a year ago.
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