The highly anticipated “Third Saturday in October” rivalry game is set for Saturday, featuring the No. 11 Tennessee Volunteers hosting the No. 7 Alabama Crimson Tide at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. Both teams enter the matchup with 5-1 overall records and 2-1 in SEC play. The stakes are high, as the outcome will significantly impact their College Football Playoff aspirations, with the losing team likely needing to secure victories in all remaining games to remain in contention. Tennessee is coming off a thrilling 23-17 overtime victory against Florida, while Alabama edged past South Carolina with a 27-25 win. Historically, Alabama leads the series 60-38-8. Notably, Tennessee linebacker Keenan Pili will miss the rest of the season after suffering an ACL tear last week.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET. According to the latest odds from SportsLine, Alabama is favored by 3 points, and the over/under is set at 57.5 points, down a point from the initial opening. Before placing any bets on the Tennessee vs. Alabama game, it’s recommended to check out the Week 8 predictions and betting advice from expert Jimmie Kaylor.
Kaylor, an expert in NFL, college football, and DFS, has been involved in covering these sports for nearly a decade. His experience as a former college football All-American and NFL player provides him with valuable insights when creating fantasy lineups and making betting decisions. He has been successful in the college football landscape, racking up an impressive 53.9 units and a 163-102-2 betting record since the start of the 2023 season.
As the game approaches, Kaylor has focused on Alabama versus Tennessee and has released his predictions. Here is a summary of the odds:
– Spread: Alabama -3
– Over/Under: 57.5 points
– Money Line: Alabama -155, Tennessee +129
Streaming options for the game include FuboTV (available for a free trial).
Reasons to consider Alabama covering the spread include their recent dominance in the rivalry. Alabama has won 16 of the last 17 matchups, with many of those victories coming by substantial margins. Last year’s contest ended with Alabama winning 34-20 in Tuscaloosa. The offensive combination of quarterback Jalen Milroe and wide receiver Ryan Williams is expected to challenge Tennessee’s defense repeatedly. Milroe, a contender for the Heisman Trophy, has amassed 1,483 passing yards, 12 touchdown passes, and 319 rushing yards with 11 touchdowns, while Williams has contributed 573 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
On the other hand, Tennessee boasts a strong performance in both total offense and defense in the SEC. The Volunteers average 484.5 yards per game and allow just 249.3 yards. Tennessee excels in scoring, averaging 42.2 points per game while allowing only 10.7. Defensive end James Pearce Jr. leads the team with impressive stats, including 19 total tackles, 2.0 sacks, and a forced fumble. The Volunteers feature a top-ranked rushing attack, with junior running back Dylan Sampson leading with 699 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Kaylor has closely evaluated the Tennessee vs. Alabama matchup from all perspectives and is leaning toward the Under for the point total. He has identified a key factor that influences his betting decision, which he will only reveal at SportsLine.
As Saturday approaches, fans will be eager to find out who will come out on top in this vital contest and which critical factor could sway the betting line. Visit SportsLine for expert insights and predictions ahead of the game.