Pat Forde predicts the winner of Tennessee Vols vs Alabama Crimson Tide

The Tennessee Vols will host the Alabama Crimson Tide in Knoxville on Saturday afternoon in a game that's massive for both programs.

Tennessee and Alabama are both 5-1 with tough losses on their resumes (Tennessee to Arkansas and Alabama to Vanderbilt). The winner of this game will essentially control their own playoff destiny while the loser will likely need some help.

Neither the Vols or the Crimson Tide have played their best football lately, which makes this matchup a complete toss-up, even though it's in Knoxville.

Sports Illustrated's Pat Forde, a heavy critic of Tennessee at times , went on the record on Tuesday with his prediction for this year's installment of "The Third Saturday in October".

Forde has Alabama winning a close one, picking the Tide to win 30-24.

From SI.com : Bama’s collapsing defense takes on Tennessee’s fading offense in a matchup of units needing to get right. When in doubt, go with the experienced QB who can make big plays. Dash pick: Alabama 30, Tennessee 24.

Tennessee fans won't love that pick, but it's a fair prediction from Forde. I'm not sure anyone truly knows what to expect in this game. Maybe Tennessee's offense finally hits its stride. Or maybe Alabama's defense finally plays to its potential. Do we see the good Jalen Milroe or the unsteady Jalen Milroe? Will the Vols' offensive line play better? Do we see a confident Nico Iamaleava? How big of an impact will Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams have on the game?

It's a tough matchup to predict, but considering how this series has gone over the last 20 years, picking the Tide isn't exactly unwise.

Related: Florida HC Billy Napier says Tennessee Vols defender made an 'incredible play' against the Gators