The upcoming Third Saturday in October rivalry is shaping up to be a crucial game for both No. 7 Alabama (5-1) and No. 11 Tennessee (5-1), as both teams look to avoid elimination from the College Football Playoff race. Each squad is coming off a narrow victory after suffering unexpected losses.
Tennessee edged past Florida 23-17 in overtime, a week after a loss to Arkansas. Alabama, on the other hand, narrowly defeated South Carolina 27-25 after being surprised by Vanderbilt. Both fanbases are anxious about the recent performances of their teams.
With the talent present, both Alabama and Tennessee have the potential to be serious contenders for the SEC and national championships. However, a loss on Saturday would complicate their paths, especially considering Alabama still faces No. 19 Missouri and No. 8 LSU, while Tennessee has a challenging road matchup against No. 5 Georgia on November 16. A victory this weekend would be a significant boost, while a defeat would necessitate a flawless remainder of the season.
Live updates will be available during the Alabama vs. Tennessee game on Saturday.
Viewing information is as follows:
Date: Saturday, October 19 | Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee
TV: ABC | Live stream: fubo (trial available)
Key points for the game include the need for improved quarterback performance. Jalen Milroe’s Heisman Trophy odds rose significantly following a win over Georgia but have since declined due to subpar play, marked by poor decisions and two interceptions against South Carolina. Tennessee’s QB, Nico Iamaleava, has struggled to avoid mistakes, which has hindered the team’s explosive play potential; he hasn’t surpassed 200 yards passing since the second game and has thrown just one touchdown in three SEC contests. While Tennessee has a solid running game, their quarterback needs to step up.
On the defensive front, Tennessee has been impressive this season, ranked second nationally in total defense and excelling in various defensive metrics. They face a challenging task against Alabama’s potent offense, particularly Milroe and Ryan Williams.
Expect an exciting matchup, as previous encounters have been filled with dramatic comebacks and high-scoring plays. Last season, Tennessee led at halftime but ultimately lost, and two years ago saw a thrilling 52-49 finish with goalposts triumphantly paraded in Knoxville.
As for predictions, both teams have displayed inconsistency this season, with standout victories overshadowed by disappointing losses. While Alabama boasts an explosive offense and has shown it can thrive in fast-paced games, its defense has been inconsistent. Tennessee is expected to find success in its running game, but questions linger about Iamaleava’s ability to deliver in critical moments. Given the home-field advantage and a volatile atmosphere, the prediction favors Tennessee to keep the game close. Pick: Tennessee +3.
Betting odds are sourced from DraftKings Sportsbook.