- What: Alabama vs Tennessee
- When: Saturday, October 15th at Neyland Stadium, 3:30 PM ET kick-off
- How to watch: CBS
Easily the biggest game of the Online college football betting this weekend we will see the Alabama Crimson Tide visit the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. The kick-off is scheduled for 3:30 PM ET and this contest can be seen on CBS. The Tide are 6-0 thus far, pulling out a slim victory over Texas A&M in Week 6 with backup quarterback Jalen Milroe at the helm. The Vols meanwhile sits at 5-0 and absolutely demolished LSU last weekend. These two teams are arguably the best in the SEC at the moment. Keep reading for the Alabama vs Tennessee prediction.
Before we get into the betting preview, lines, and picks for this conference clash, make sure to check out our reviews of the top online sportsbooks.
Alabama vs Tennessee Odds
Bama is a slim 7-point favorite here, their smallest spread of the season so far. The total is also set at 65 with two electric offenses going at it. The Crimson Tide have won 15 in a row against Tennessee dating back to October of 2007. They've also covered in 13 of those matchups.
Alabama vs Tennessee Preview
Bama is certainly looking the part in 2022, heading into the year as one of the favorites in the 2022-23 NCAA Football National Championship futures. QB Bryce Young, who is the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, suffered a shoulder injury in the second quarter of Week 5 though, and hasn't played since. However, there is serious optimism he will return to the fold here for a massive game where the Tide offense certainly needs him leading the charge. Although Milroe played well in the Arkansas win after Young exited early, the backup looked sloppy last time out against the Aggies, getting intercepted and fumbling twice. On a more positive note, Milroe did throw for 111 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 83 yards. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs wreaked havoc on the Texas A&M defense, averaging 7.3 yards per carry for a total of 154. Bama committed a total of four turnovers but thankfully got two huge defensive stops late in the contest from Will Anderson Jr and Co. A win is a win and if Young plays, expect Bama to comfortably handle the Volunteers. When he's running the show, this offense is a whole different beast. That being said, he may not be at 100%, so we'll see.
Tennessee is opening eyes across the nation with a very impressive squad, especially on the offensive side of the ball. They rank second in the country with 554.6 yards per game and 10th in passing yards. The Vols are also second in points with 46.8. That's much in part to signal-caller Hendon Hooker, who is a true dual-threat QB. He's already thrown for over 1,400 yards, 10 touchdowns, and no interceptions while completing 70% of his passes. Hooker has rushed for 231 yards on the ground, too. He put his talent on full display against the Tigers, going for 239 yards on 17 for 27 passing and two touchdowns. The run game was dominant, with Jabari Small, Jaylen Wright, and Hooker all making their mark. Bru McCoy had seven catches on eight targets out wide for 140 yards as well. They're still without WR Cedric Tillman, a top target and he's doubtful to suit up versus Alabama due to an ankle injury. As much as the offense has managed to thrive so far, the Tide defense is no joke. Tennessee will have its work seriously cut out for them. The Bama secondary is shaky at times though, therefore Hooker could focus on doing damage downfield. He has the weapons at his disposal.
Alabama vs Tennessee Prediction
I truly believe this is going to be a shootout. You have two fantastic teams going at it. Tennessee has never really put up much of a fight in recent years against Alabama, but it could be different this time around. To me, Young playing or not will make a notable difference. If the quarterback plays, Bama covers. If it's Milroe again, I think the Volunteers make this very close, perhaps within a field goal. Keep an eye on Young's status.