No. 11 Alabama Seeks Revenge Against No. 17 Tennessee in Saturday Showdown
The highly anticipated “Third Saturday in October” clash between No. 11 Alabama and No. 17 Tennessee is set to take place this Saturday. This rematch of last season’s thrilling showdown between the fierce rivals has fans eagerly awaiting the outcome. In their previous meeting, the Volunteers ended a 15-game losing streak in the series with a nail-biting 52-49 victory, prompting an ecstatic crowd to storm the field.
This time, the Crimson Tide holds the advantage of playing on their home turf at Bryant-Denny Stadium, adding to the captivating nature of the game. With a current winning streak of 9 games against Tennessee at home, Alabama aims to solidify its reputation as one of the most hostile venues in college football.
Despite a shaky start to the season with a rare home loss to Texas in Week 2, Alabama has bounced back with five consecutive victories and remains undefeated in SEC West league play.
Tennessee, under the leadership of third-year coach Josh Heupel, has undergone a significant transformation in its offensive strategy. The team has shifted from one of the nation’s best passing attacks to one of the nation’s best rushing attacks. Following a loss to Florida on September 16, the Volunteers have won back-to-back SEC games against South Carolina and Texas A&M.
How to Watch Alabama vs. Tennessee Live
Date: Saturday, Oct. 21
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Bryant-Denny Stadium – Tuscaloosa, Alabama
TV: CBS
Live Stream: CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App (Free)
Streaming on: Paramount+ with Showtime (Try It Free)
Alabama vs. Tennessee: Need to Know
Quarterback downgrade: Last season, both teams witnessed an impressive quarterback battle, resulting in a combined 1,136 yards and 61 first downs. However, Saturday’s game is unlikely to match those statistics, as both teams have experienced a significant downgrade in their quarterback positions. Alabama’s Jalen Milroe has shown glimpses of potential but struggles with consistency, while Tennessee’s Joe Milton is coming off a rough performance against Texas A&M.
Pressuring the quarterbacks: Both teams possess formidable defenses that excel in sacking opposing quarterbacks. Tennessee ranks third nationally with an average of four sacks per game, while Alabama ranks fourth with an average of 3.7 sacks per contest. Key players like Alabama’s Dallas Turner and Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. will be crucial in disrupting the quarterbacks’ rhythm.
The little things: In last year’s meeting, the outcome was decided by a special teams play – a field goal that barely made it over the crossbar. Both teams have demonstrated excellence in special teams this season. Alabama’s Will Reichard has a perfect 13 for 13 record on field goals, earning him a spot on the CBS Sports Midseason All-America team. Tennessee’s Dee Williams has showcased his skills as a dangerous returner, making a significant impact with a punt return for a touchdown last week.
Alabama vs. Tennessee Prediction and Picks
Based on their struggles in the passing game and the dominance of both defenses, this Saturday’s matchup is expected to be a challenging one for the quarterbacks. Alabama, driven by their desire for revenge, has the advantage of playing at home. However, it is anticipated to be a close contest, with Tennessee potentially covering the spread.
Pick: Tennessee +8.5
For more expert predictions and insights on college football games, visit SportsLine. Their proven computer model has generated over $2,000 in profit over the past seven-plus seasons.
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