Score Predictions - Tennessee vs Alabama, Keys to the Victory

Here are the final score predictions for the No. 17 ranked Tennessee matchup vs the No. 11 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide.

The No. 17 ranked Tennessee Volunteers are on the road to take on the No. 11 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide. If the Volunteers are going to win consecutive matchups against the Tide for the first time in nearly two decades, they have to do several things right as nearly 9.0-point underdogs in this matchup. 

Here are the keys to the win and our final predictions on Volunteer Country. 

Keys to the Win 

Havoc on Defense 

Tennessee's defense has created pressure on the quarterback at an unprecedented rate in recent memory for this football program. They are No. 3 in the country in sacks created this season (24.0). It hasn't been flash-in-the-pan performances either, they are getting after the opponent's QB weekly, and this Alabama team struggles mightily on the offensive line. It hasn't just been in pass protection either, against Power-5 opponents, Alabama is rushing for just 3.3 yards per carry. 

Tennessee needs to place Jalen Milroe in copious third and longs and the key to that is havoc on early downs. 

Win the Deep Ball 

These offenses are both relatively reliant on the deep ball to impact their passing games. They are run-first football teams, particularly Tennessee, but if the Volunteers are going to win this ball game, it's going to be because Joe Milton connects on more impactful deep balls than Jalen Milroe did. Stop it on defense, and complete it on offense. 

Jaylen Wright is the MVP 

This is perhaps the best run defense Tennessee will play all season, even Georgia has struggled at times to stop the run. If Jaylen Wright can get loose in this football game and the Tennessee run game can manage to get going against this Alabama unit, they can run against anyone. 

Tennessee fans cheer on the Volunteers inside Bryant-Denny Stadium / IMAGN

Final Prediction - Alabama 24, Tennesse 20

Tennessee Football's Injury Report

• Omarr Norman-Lott - IN. Norman-Lott appeared in the season's first five games and was an impact contributor on the defensive front. However, he missed the Texas A&M game, though the Vols managed without him. Heupel confirmed he will be active this week.
• Daevin Hobbs - IN. The former five-star defensive lineman has looked good in his three appearances, but he has missed time with nagging injuries against Florida and Texas A&M. Heupel confirmed he will be ready to play this weekend.
• Gerald Mincey - IN. After missing time at the beginning of the season, Mincey started the past two games on the offensive line. He left the Texas A&M game with an injury but has been cleared to play against the Crimson Tide.

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