Week 8 of college football brings with it some massive marquee matchups between some of the biggest brands in the sport and Alabama vs. Tennessee is almost always one of the most important games on the SEC calendar.
Tennessee could be the "get right" game that Alabama needs, as Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide have struggled two straight games against Vanderbilt and South Carolina. Alabama absolutely needs to be the turning point in the season for Nico Iamaleava and the Vols if they want to make the first ever 12-Team College Football Playoff.
Heading into this epic battle between the Vols and the Crimson Tide media members of A to Z Sports who cover both teams decided to weigh in, sharing their predictions for this storied SEC rivalry game.
Tennessee 31, Alabama 30
This is a game that goes against the trends in a couple of ways. Tennessee’s defense has been strong pretty much across all three levels of their defense, but Jalen Milroe and the Alabama passing game are the first to truly roll up chunk plays in the passing game throughout the game. However, the Vols’ stagnant passing attack also gets going itself on Saturday against a generous Alabama secondary. The timing issues that were off against Florida aren’t against the Tide, and the Vols hit on some of those chunk plays when they need to. Not the wild point-fest of 2022, but it's still a fun back and forth contest that goes the Vols’ way at home. - Craig Smith
Alabama 27, Tennessee 23
Alabama has finally figured out their pass rush over the past few weeks, which is perfect timing against Tennessee. LT Overton and company get after Nico Iamaleava throughout this SEC rivalry game forcing a few field goals instead of touchdowns. The Vols' elite defense giving up just four yards per play (2nd in FBS behind only Texas) stalls Alabama's offense after a fast start for quarterback Jalen Milroe and true freshman phenom wide receiver Ryan Williams, but ultimately the Crimson Tide win the day in a tight matchup that cashes bets on the under (56.5 points is the current line). Nick Saban can smile knowing his last trip to Neyland is avenged. - Travis May
Alabama 31, Tennessee 24
Both of these teams are in a bit of a rut right now, so adding a ton of pressure and a bright spotlight will only exacerbate the issues each has. Alabama has a big advantage in the run game if they want to take it, and they'll be forced to as James Pearce Jr. is set to be at his best. On the other side of the ball, Tennessee's passing game won't have to deal with a ferocious pass rush, but their own offensive line woes will prove costly. I think Kalen DeBoer finds himself in another ugly game where his roster is exposed, but having Jalen Milroe and Ryan Williams is enough to win against a banged up Vols team that doesn't quite have the trench talent needed to pull it out. - Ian Valentino
Alabama 35, Tennessee 31
The Tide bounce back offensively against the Vols, with QB Jalen Milroe having a big game on the ground. Tennessee will be looking to slow down WR Ryan Willams as the offense aims to get Jam Miller and Milroe in sync. With Tennessee facing multiple injuries up front, it’s time for Alabama’s pass rush to come alive and force QB Nico Iamaleava into some poor decisions. If he has time to process, the team in Crimson & White is in for a long afternoon. - Rob Gregson
We'll be back with more College Football coverage here at A to Z Sports all season long! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!
Local News
