Tennessee vs Alabama College Football Betting Preview

Ready for one of the best SEC rivalries around? #11 Alabama will be looking to avenge their 2022 loss to Tennessee when they once again meet on the Third Saturday of October at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide are rolling at the moment with five wins in a row, just beating the Arkansas Razorbacks in Week 7. As for the #17 Volunteers, they’re also enjoying an unbeaten streak, most recently taking Jimbo Fisher’s Texas A&M last weekend. Kick-off for this contest is scheduled for 3:30 PM ET. We’ll preview the game below and dive into the recent history between the two programs.

Head-to-head history

This will be the 106th meeting between Bama and Tennessee, with the hosts holding the edge by a mile. The Tide 58-39-7 all-time against the Volunteers. Alabama even had a 15-game winning streak against Tennessee from 2007 to 2021. Last season, the Vols shocked them 52-49, ending the brutal losing skid. That game was in Knoxville.

Can Tennessee pull off the upset again?

In all honesty, last year’s Alabama team was definitely stronger but regardless, Tennessee would surely be proud of beating their rivals again, especially in Tuscaloosa. The Vols come into this matchup in good shape, winning three games in a row against UTSA, South Carolina, and Texas A&M. Tennessee scored over 40 points in the first two but was only able to put 20 against the Aggies. It was a close one.

Quarterback Joe Milton didn’t do much in Week 7, completing just 11 of 22 passes for 100 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Like most of this season, the run game stole the show. Jaylen Wright balled out, rushing for 7.2 yards per carry as he continued his torrid campaign. Milton and Jabari Small both did damage on the ground, too.

Tennessee’s defense once again impressed, allowing a mere 13 points. In fact, the unit is only giving up 17 points per contest, which is one of the best marks in the nation. Offensively, the run game will be the Vols’ go-to on Saturday but what could potentially help them win this one will be their ability to slow down Jalen Milroe and the Bama attack. Tennessee heads in as an 8.5-point underdog at 888sport.

Huge game for Bama

I really doubt Alabama will make the College Football Playoff but if they did lose on Saturday, the chances of doing so are gone. This is a massive contest and essentially a must-win. As we all remember, Tennessee shocked them a year ago and for the players left from that squad, they will be wanting revenge. Nick Saban’s group has looked good since losing in Week 2 to Quinn Ewers and Texas, notching victories over South Florida, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Texas A&M, and Arkansas.

The Razorbacks did push them to the brink though, with the game ending 24-21. QB Jalen Milroe completed 10 of 21 passes for 238 yards including a pair of touchdowns coming up with a couple of big plays. He’s fully embraced the starting job at this point. Just like Tennesee, the Alabama RB room has been thriving and absolutely tore up the Hogs’ defense. Roydell Williams ran for nearly 10 yards per carry while Jase McClellan also had 83 yards rushing. Lastly, Jam Miller had just four carries but he ran for an average of 10 yards. This is a versatile backfield.

One difference-maker here will be Alabama’s offensive line protecting Milroe. They haven’t done a very good job of limiting the damage on their quarterback. He’s been sacked 26 times. Tennessee’s defensive front happens to be elite, ranking fourth in tackles for loss and fourth in sacks. The Crimson Tide is a favorite at all football betting sites, but this could be a close one.