Tennessee vs. Alabama Prediction

Alabama Crimson Tide Preview

The Crimson Tide have been a roller coaster this season, much more than they have been in previous seasons over the tenure of head coach Nick Saban. There have been ups and downs, but even with that, Alabama still remains undefeated. They didn't look quite as dominant as they usually do in the Week 6 win over Texas A&M, and that cost them their No. 2 spot in the AP poll, but we shouldn't focus on that too much. Alabama operated without quarterback Bryce Young in this game due to an injury he suffered in Week 5, and that was very much evident by the pretty slim scoring margin with which the Crimson Tide won the contest. Backup QB Jalen Milroe started in place for Young and went just 12-for-19 for 111 yards, though he did have three touchdowns against just one interception. That's just what Alabama does though, beat you even when their most important player is out.

Running back Jahmyr Gibbs, meanwhile, rushed for 154 yards on 21 carries. That type of depth and ability to win in multiple ways is what makes the Crimson Tide so special and almost unbeatable. Their backups could beat most ranked teams, that is just how good they are. We can't overlook the team on defense, either, and they have been just as good on that side of the ball. The Crimson Tide entered the Texas A&M game ranked fifth in the nation with just 12.5 points allowed per contest. They have a fantastic group of talent on that side of the ball, and while the offense gets all the attention, it could be that the defense is actually the better unit.

Obviously, it would help Alabama immensely if they are able to get Young back at QB for this game, but Milroe at least has a start under his belt and gained some confidence after this win. The reality is that no matter who starts for the Crimson Tide, they should be able to compete with anyone. Alabama is 3-1 against the spread in its last four games overall as well, so they have been covering as of late.

Tennessee Volunteers Preview

Also still unbeaten on the season are the Tennessee Volunteers after they demolished the No. 25 LSU Tigers in Week 6 on the road 40-13. It was never a contest as Tennessee claimed another ranked victim on the season. It was also the third game in a row in which the Vols scored at least 38 points. Coming into this contest against the Tigers, they had the second-highest scoring team in the nation with 46.8 points per game and No. 1 overall with 548.0 total yards per contest. It has been a special season for Tennessee on offense, and that has been led by their Heisman hopeful QB. Hendon Hooker passed for 239 yards and two touchdowns without getting picked off on 17-of-27 completions. He has been remarkable in 2022, with 1,432 yards passing on a 70% completion rate and 10 TDs, while also using his legs to crush the competition.

Making the victory even more impressive for the Vols is the fact that they did not have star wideout Cedric Tillman. The WR hasn't played since a September 17 contest against Akron, and getting him back would be a huge boost for this already dangerous Tennessee offense. They will face their toughest test of the season against Alabama, who as I mentioned above, has a very tough defense that is one of the best in the country.

Tennessee is 4-1 against the spread in its last five outings overall, so they have been covering just as Alabama has. Something's gotta give, and we will see an epic battle on Saturday between these two awesome teams.

My Prediction

I have a feeling that Tennessee is going to be the very popular play here at +7.5 against the Crimson Tide, but something tells me that this could be one of those games where the general consensus is wrong. If Young actually does play, this line could be higher, but we simply don't know who will be at QB for Alabama. I think Alabama will go into Tennessee and show everyone that they are still the best team in the SEC, with or without their starting QB.

I would wait and see if you can get a -7 with Alabama, and then I would take them. Tennessee will be a public dog, and I love to fade those. I would also look at the under, as I feel the Tennessee offense won't be as great as they have been previously against lesser competitors.