This year’s Third Saturday in October rivalry is shaping up to be a crucial matchup for both teams, resembling a College Football Playoff eliminator. No. 7 Alabama (5-1) and No. 11 Tennessee (5-1) are entering the game after facing high-pressure victories that followed unexpected losses.
Tennessee required overtime to secure a 23-17 win against Florida after suffering a road defeat to Arkansas. On the other hand, Alabama narrowly escaped a challenge from South Carolina, winning 27-25 after their surprising loss to Vanderbilt. Fans of both teams are anxious about the inconsistent performances displayed in recent games.
Both squads possess the potential to contend for SEC and national championships, but a loss on Saturday would significantly complicate their paths forward. Alabama still has upcoming games against No. 19 Missouri and No. 8 LSU, while Tennessee will embark on a difficult road matchup against No. 5 Georgia on November 16. A defeat this weekend would mean they would need to win all remaining games, while a victory would bolster their standing as they approach selection day.
View the LIVE updates for the Alabama vs. Tennessee game on Saturday.
Details for watching Alabama vs. Tennessee live:
Date: Saturday, Oct. 19 | Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee
TV: ABC | Live stream available via fubo (free trial option)
Key points to consider for Alabama vs. Tennessee:
Improvement needed from quarterback play: Jalen Milroe gained traction in the Heisman Trophy race following Alabama’s win over Georgia but has seen a decline in performance over the last two games. He is now positioned at +1200 odds to win college football’s most prestigious award. Milroe’s tendency to overreach has led to poor decision-making and an unfortunate safety against South Carolina. He must eliminate these mistakes to prevail against Tennessee. Meanwhile, Tennessee’s starting QB, Nico Iamaleava, may be overly cautious, potentially missing out on significant plays. He hasn’t surpassed 200 passing yards since the second game and has managed just one touchdown in his last three SEC outings. While Tennessee relies on a solid running game, much more is expected from its promising quarterback.
Tennessee’s defense is formidable: Under head coach Josh Heupel, the Vols have drawn attention for their offense, but this season their defense has taken center stage. Coordinated by Tim Banks, Tennessee has excelled in 2024, ranking second nationally in total defense (averaging 249.8 yards per game), yards per play (4), rushing yards allowed (2.2), and third-down conversion defense (23.8 percent). The Volunteers will face their toughest challenge yet against Milroe and Alabama’s offense, but their defensive line could pose issues for Alabama’s average offensive line.
Expect an engaging game: Last season, Tennessee jumped ahead with a 20-7 halftime lead at Tuscaloosa, only to see Alabama rally in the second half for a 34-20 victory. In their most recent matchup two years ago, Tennessee surged to a 21-7 lead after the first quarter, before Alabama made a comeback in a thrilling 52-49 finish that culminated in the goalposts being celebrated throughout Knoxville. Neyland Stadium is expected to be electrifying, and regardless of who leads early, fans should be prepared for an exciting matchup between two teams experienced in high-stakes rivalries.
Predictions for Alabama vs. Tennessee:
Both teams have shown inconsistency this season, experiencing standout moments, like Alabama’s victory over Georgia and Tennessee’s win against Oklahoma, juxtaposed with disappointing losses. Alabama’s explosiveness remains evident, though its defense has raised concerns. Vanderbilt capitalized on Alabama’s defensive errors and consistently converted on third downs. Tennessee should find some success on the ground against Alabama, but questions linger around Nico Iamaleava’s ability to deliver pivotal plays. While Tennessee has thus far avoided major repercussions from these uncertainties, a home-field advantage could favor them in a tight contest. Betting advice suggests Tennessee will cover the spread in a close game. Prediction: Tennessee +3.
All sports betting odds are provided by DraftKings Sportsbook.