For a rivalry with the name ‘The Third Saturday in October’, it sure does feel good to be playing this one on the fourth weekend of the month. Alabama will once again face off against Tennessee in Tuscaloosa, looking to make it 15 wins in a row.
First-year head coach Josh Heupel will be the sixth different coach in Knoxville since Nick Saban took over the program in 2007. Ignoring the end-of-game theatrics that took place, you can tell positive energy is finally back for Tennessee. Last week’s near upset of Ole Miss, alongside the return of Lane Kiffin, had Neyland Stadium rocking.
Luckily, Bryant Denny Stadium will be the venue on Saturday. Alabama has won by an average margin of 22.4 at home since 2007. Beating Tennessee has become one of everybody’s favorite yearly traditions, smoking cigars in the stadium, and dishing out one-liners from the famous “I Hate Tennessee” video.
Back to the football field, where Alabama fans will be ready to go with a rare night game at home. An electric crowd is expected to stay through all four quarters.
Check out the Roll Tide Wire’s staff predictions!
Staff predicts the game
| Alabama (-24.5) | Record ATS | Winner | Record Overall | |
| AJ Spurr | Alabama | 3-1 | Alabama | 3-1 |
| Griffin McVeigh | 3-1 | 3-1 | ||
| Stacey Blackwood | Alabama | 2-2 | Alabama | 3-1 |
| Layne Gerbig | Alabama | 2-2 | Alabama | 3-1 |
AJ Spurr
Tennessee has seemingly found a solid coach in Josh Heupel, and with the offense on a roll, this was supposed to be a somewhat interesting game compared to recent games in this rivalry. However, we must take into account a few injuries and the fact that this game is in Tuscaloosa. Since the loss to Texas A&M, Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide team needs to win every game left on their schedule and do so in epic fashion. Don’t expect Saban or Bill O’Brien to slow down Bryce Young and the offense to slow down once they get going.
Alabama 52, Tennessee 24
Griffin McVeigh
Bryce Young’s bounce-back game against Mississippi State was incredible and restored confidence in the Alabama offense. I expect more of the same this week. Something I will be looking for is who the third wide receiver is going to be. Slade Bolden has been ineffective thus far and seeing one of JoJoe Earle or Traeshon Holden involved would be nice to see.
Defensively, continue to rely on Will Anderosn Jr. He’s going to get his pressure against Tennessee’s offensive line all day. Stop the run game and this one will not be close. The status of Hendon Hooker could really determine how many points Vols score as well.
Hope y’all bought cigars.
Alabama 52, Tennessee 28
Stacey Blackwood
Alabama 48, Tennessee 13
Layne Gerbig
Tennessee’s quarterback Hendon Hooker is still questionable, leaving in doubt how well Tennessee’s offense could produce against Alabama.
Alabama 42, Tennessee 14
You can watch Alabama and Tennessee face off on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. CDT on ESPN.
All Betting Lines are courtesy of Tipico Sportsbook.
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