Two SEC powerhouses struggling to find their top form will collide on Saturday in Knoxville when the No. 7 Alabama Crimson Tide (5-1, 2-1) take on the No. 11 Tennessee Volunteers (5-1, 2-1).
Alabama narrowly avoided a second straight defeat last week against South Carolina, holding on to win 27-25 despite allowing the Gamecocks to recover an onside kick late in the fourth quarter.
Tennessee also dodged a bullet last weekend against Florida, overcoming a 10-point deficit to win 23-17 in overtime on running back Dylan Sampson’s third score of the night.
As we get set for kickoff, let’s examine the latest betting odds for this SEC showdown and make my Alabama vs Tennessee prediction and best bets.
Alabama vs Tennessee Odds
College football odds are current as of Tuesday, Oct. 15, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Alabama (-142) vs Tennessee (+120)
- Spread: Alabama -3 (-110) vs Tennessee +3 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 56.5 (-112) / Under 56.5 (-108)
Alabama vs Tennessee Prediction
Alabama 27, Tennessee 24
This matchup is tough to handicap because it pits strength on strength and weakness on weakness.
After cruising through non-conference play, the Tennessee offense has stagnated in recent weeks. The Vols have scored 25 or fewer points in their last three games, with freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava throwing for 521 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He has also taken 10 sacks over that stretch and seems to have lost his confidence.
Speaking of losing confidence, I’ve lost mine in Alabama’s defense. The Tide have been leaky since the second half of the Georgia game a few weeks back, surrendering 92 points over the last 10 quarters.
Alabama has been outgained by Vanderbilt and South Carolina the last two weeks, and it needs to tighten things up defensively to be viewed as a legitimate title contender. While I’m not confident that will happen in a hostile environment, I’m backing the more experienced quarterback, Jalen Milroe, to bail Bama out if needed.
Give me the Tide in what could be a pseudo-elimination game in the College Football Playoff race.
Sportsbook Play of the Day
Alabama vs Tennessee Best Bets
Alabama ML (-142)
Based on what I’ve seen from Iamaleava lately, I can’t back Tennessee. His QBR against Florida last week was a career-low 17.5, and the Gators’ defense had previously struggled to contain Miami (41 points allowed) and Texas A&M (33 points allowed).
The Tide have generally been fine offensively and proved against Georgia that they can score against one of the top defenses in the country. Milroe and Co. should do enough against a stout Tennessee defense to win this game.
Back Alabama on the moneyline as one of your best college football bets today.
Under 56.5 Points (-108)
This game could fly Over the total if the Volunteers figure things out offensively, but the magnitude of this matchup may lead to more of a stalemate early on.
Plus, Tennessee’s defense has allowed just 10.7 points per game this season, including limiting Arkansas’ high-powered attack (33 points per game) to just 19 in their lone loss of the year.
If this game gets played in the 20s as expected, the Under should hit.
