Tennessee vs. Alabama football game preview, prediction

What to watch for as Alabama and Tennessee face off in this college football rivalry, along with our updated game prediction

It's the third Saturday in October, and in the college football universe that makes it time to renew hostilities between two of the SEC's principal rivals, as No. 17 Tennessee goes on the road against No. 11 Alabama in Week 8 action.

Big Orange is coming off a statement upset over the Tide a year ago, but lost key contributors from that game, making up for the lost passing production with a strong rushing attack that ranks No. 6 nationally for the Volunteers (5-1, 2-1 SEC).

Alabama has rebounded well from an early-season loss to Texas despite questionable line protection and a ground game that hasn't played up to par, moving into pole position in the SEC West title hunt at 6-1 overall with a perfect 4-0 mark in conference.

Alabama vs. Tennessee preview, prediction

Alabama vs. Tennessee game predictions / USA Today Images

How to watch

When: Sat., Oct. 21
Time: 2:30 p.m. Central
TV: CBS network
Stream live: fuboTV (Try for free)

Tennessee vs. Alabama odds

Courtesy of SI Sportsbook

Line: Alabama -8.5
Total: 48.5 points
Moneyline: Bama -333 | Vols +240
FPI pick: Alabama 76.8% to win

What to watch for

1. Battle at the line. Alabama's offensive line protection is a major structural liability, ranking 126th nationally in sacks allowed per game and has surrendered 31 in total. Jalen Milroe's mobility is a crucial X-factor for the Tide, as he's able to skirt away from pressure and extend plays, giving his receivers time to get open or create gains with his own legs. The Vols are a credible threat in the front seven, 3rd nationally with 24 sacks and 4 sacks per game, with the bodies and discipline to generate consistent pressure and shut down running lanes.

2. Vols on the ground. In contrast to last year's aerial approach, this Tennessee team is dominant running the ball, ranking No. 6 nationally and No. 1 in the SEC in total production with 231.3 yards per game. UT's trio of Jaylen Wright, Jabari Small, and Dylan Sampson go up against a Crimson Tide defensive front that is No. 3 in the SEC against the run this season and may find inside lanes and escape routes to the outside difficult to navigate.

3. Milroe vs. UT's secondary. The Alabama quarterback ranks 3rd in the SEC with 9 completions of 40 or more yards, a pivotal element in the offensive game plan that helps compensate for the subpar ground game and sketchy protection. But he'll be challenged by an expert Volunteer secondary that is much improved from a year ago, allowing just four passing touchdowns this season.

Tennessee vs. Alabama prediction

No one is expecting a sequel quite like last year's back-and-forth, 101-point game, not with the offensive downgrades on both sides, nor with each team's expert front seven play.

Tennessee will frustrate Alabama's protection from start to finish, and lock down more of Milroe's throwing lanes to keep it close all day, while the Volunteers will scratch out enough gains on the ground to stay well within striking distance.

But the inconsistency of the Vols' passing game compared with Milroe's expert ability to create longer gainers on the move should prove to be the difference.

College Football HQ picks...

• Alabama wins 26-20
• Doesn't cover the spread
• And hits the under

Bet on Alabama vs. Tennessee here

Join FanDuel here to claim $200 worth of bonus bets after wagering just $5 on any game, including Alabama vs. Tennessee.

Claim $200 in Bonus Bets instantly when you Bet $5 with DraftKings as the Volunteers and Crimson Tide meet in this SEC football classic.

Get $200 in Bonus Bets with Bet365 here when you Bet Just $1 on any college football game.

Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets with Points Bet right here.

Or get $1,500 paid back in bonus bets from BetMGM if you don’t win.

---

More college football from SI: Top 25 Rankings | Schedule | Teams

Follow College Football HQ: Bookmark | Rankings | Picks