The Third Saturday in October rivalry between No. 7 Alabama and No. 11 Tennessee this year feels like a pivotal matchup in the College Football Playoff picture. Both teams enter the contest with records of 5-1 and are coming off hard-fought victories following unexpected losses.
Tennessee secured a 23-17 overtime win against Florida after suffering a road defeat against Arkansas the week prior. On the other hand, Alabama narrowly defeated South Carolina 27-25 after a surprising upset against Vanderbilt. Fans of both teams have reason to be concerned due to the inconsistent performances they’ve observed recently.
Despite their struggles, both squads possess the talent to contend for SEC and national championships, but a loss this Saturday could severely hinder their chances. Alabama still has upcoming games against No. 19 Missouri and No. 8 LSU, while Tennessee is set to travel to face No. 5 Georgia on November 16. A loss will necessitate a perfect run for the remainder of the season to have a shot at the playoffs, while a victory could significantly bolster their postseason prospects.
The matchup details are as follows:
Date: Saturday, Oct. 19 | Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee
TV: ABC | Live stream: fubo
Key points to watch include the performance of quarterbacks from both teams. Alabama’s Jalen Milroe enjoyed a rise in Heisman Trophy odds after a win against Georgia but has struggled in recent outings, making critical mistakes such as throwing two interceptions and taking a safety against South Carolina. Meanwhile, Tennessee’s Nico Iamaleava has been overly cautious, leading to missed opportunities for big plays, failing to exceed 200 passing yards in recent games, and throwing just one touchdown in three SEC contests. Although Tennessee has a strong running game, they will need improved performances from their starting quarterback.
Defensively, Tennessee has been impressive under head coach Josh Heupel. They currently rank second in the nation in total defense, allowing only 249.8 yards per game. However, they will face a significant challenge against Alabama’s strong offensive unit.
Fans can expect an exciting game, as seen in previous matchups where each team has started strong only for the other to rally back dramatically. Neyland Stadium will provide an electric atmosphere, and regardless of the early lead, a thrilling contest is anticipated.
In terms of predictions, both teams have faced ups and downs this season, with Alabama’s explosive capabilities contrasting against inconsistencies in their defense, while Tennessee’s run game might find success against the Tide. The outlook suggests Tennessee could cover in a close match. Prediction: Tennessee +3.