Alabama Football: The Five Best Teams the Tide Will Play
By Mike McCrary
![Oct 10, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide mascot Big Al celebrates a score against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama defeated Arkansas 27-14. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports Oct 10, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide mascot Big Al celebrates a score against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama defeated Arkansas 27-14. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/6a62d733dd43d82f1afe972c7887169a5646862bfe63d9afb8b162b564e765bd.jpg)
Tennessee, October 15, Knoxville
This storied rivalry returns to the third Saturday in October this season, which may not be good for the orange team. Last season, The Volunteers had a week off before their game with Alabama, while the Tide was playing its eighth straight game.
No such luck this season. Tennessee plays Florida, Georgia and Texas A&M in consecutive weeks – the last two on the road – before returning home to play Alabama. The Volunteers haven’t beaten Alabama in almost 10 years, which has Butch, as well as the orange-clad faithful, Jonesing for an upset.
With senior quarterback Josh Dobbs back for his senior season, and a defense that’s almost as loaded as the ones in Tuscaloosa and Baton Rouge, Tennessee has the talent to keep it close. But by this time, Alabama’s offense will be hitting its stride, and the defense will be its normal intimidating self.
Prediction: Alabama 27, Tennessee 16
Next: The Tigers in Baton Rouge