This yr’s version of the Third Saturday in October rivalry appears like a Faculty Soccer Playoff eliminator. No. 7 Alabama (5-1) and No. 11 Tennessee (5-1) are each coming off worrying wins preceded unexpectedly losses.
Tennessee wanted time beyond regulation to beat Florida, 23-17, per week after a highway loss to Arkansas. In the meantime, Alabama barely held off South Carolina, 27-25, following its beautiful upset at Vanderbilt. Every fanbase is nervous about how wobbly Alabama and Tennessee have seemed in latest weeks.
Each groups have the expertise to be actual SEC and nationwide championship contenders, however the path will get significantly tougher with a loss on Saturday. Particularly once you keep in mind Alabama nonetheless has No. 19 Missouri and No. 8 LSU on the schedule, and Tennessee has a highway journey to No. 5 Georgia on Nov. 16. A loss Saturday will demand perfection the remainder of the way in which whereas a win will go a good distance come choice day.
Comply with together with LIVE updates from Alabama vs. Tennessee on Saturday
Tips on how to watch Alabama vs. Tennessee dwell
Date: Saturday, Oct. 19 | Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Neyland Stadium — Knoxville, Tennessee
TV: ABC | Dwell stream: fubo (Strive free of charge)
Alabama vs. Tennessee: Have to know
QB play must be higher: Jalen Milroe shot up the Heisman Trophy betting odds after Alabama’s win over Georgia however has fallen again to earth in his final two video games. He’s at the moment at +1200 to take house school soccer’s most prestigious award, in accordance with DraftKings. There’s nonetheless an inclination to attempt to do an excessive amount of, resulting in unhealthy choices and unhealthy situational consciousness at occasions. Throwing two interceptions and taking a security towards the Gamecocks has to get cleaned as much as win towards Tennessee. The Volunteers’ beginning QB Nico Iamaleava could have the other drawback, focusing a lot on not making a significant mistake that Tennessee is lacking explosive play alternatives. Iamaleava hasn’t damaged the 200-yard mark since Recreation 2 and has thrown for just one complete landing in three SEC convention video games. Tennessee can depend on a robust floor sport, but it surely nonetheless wants much more from its ballyhooed beginning quarterback.
Tennessee’s protection is legit: Beneath Josh Heupel, the Vols have made essentially the most noise with what they do offensively, however this yr the protection has carried them. Led by defensive coordinator Tim Banks, Tennessee’s protection has been excellent in 2024. As our Brandon Marcello identified in his nice Banks profile, Tennessee ranks second nationally in complete protection (249.8 yards per sport), yards per play (4), yards per rush (2.2) and third-down conversions allowed (23.8 p.c). Tennessee faces its hardest take a look at but towards Milroe, Ryan Williams and the remainder of that Alabama offense, however its defensive position ought to trigger some issues towards a mean Alabama offensive line.
Anticipate a rollicking sport: Final season Tennessee raced out to a 20-7 halftime lead in Tuscaloosa just for Jalen Milroe and the Crimson Tide to dominate the second half and win 34-20. Two years in the past, Tennessee additionally acquired out to a sizzling begin (21-7 first quarter lead). Alabama stormed again however the Volunteers held the Tide off for a wild 52-49 end that ended with the goalposts paraded round Knoxville that evening. It’s going to be rocking inside Neyland Stadium and regardless of which group will get off to an early lead, buckle up for what needs to be a energetic back-and-forth affair between two groups with loads of expertise in high-stakes rivalry video games.
Alabama vs. Tennessee prediction, picks
Each groups have been inconsistent this season with highs like Alabama’s win over Georgia and Tennessee’s over Oklahoma paired with surprising lows of highway losses. Alabama is the extra explosive group and has proven it may possibly win in a monitor meet-type sport, however its protection has left quite a bit to be desired to date this season. Vanderbilt straight up outplayed Alabama’s protection and acquired what it wanted over and over on third down. Tennessee ought to have success working the ball towards the Tide, however there stay questions whether or not Nico Iamaleava could make sufficient huge performs to win a sport like this. Up to now this season, he hasn’t been in a position to although it largely hasn’t caught as much as Tennessee exterior of the Arkansas loss. With what needs to be a raucous setting, you’re greatest off betting Tennessee to cowl in a decent one. Choose: Tennessee +3
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SportsLine’s confirmed laptop mannequin is asking for 5 outright upsets in Week 8 of school soccer. Go to SportsLine now to see all of them, plus get unfold picks for each sport from the mannequin that simulates every sport 10,000 occasions.