Alabama Crimson Tide vs Tennessee Volunteers Key Matchups
Will Anderson Jr/Dallas Turner vs Hendon Hooker
While he has had success throwing the ball this season, Hooker is one of the better running quarterbacks Alabama has seen this season. It will be key for Anderson and Turner to set the edge, and not let Hooker get outside to beat the Crimson Tide defense on the ground.
Alabama O-Line vs Tennessee D-Line
The Tennessee defense leads all Power 5 teams in TFL this season, and have had success getting to the quarterback this season. Alabama will not only need a strong performance from the offensive line to protect the passer, but also to help open-up the running game with Robinson, Williams, and others.
Josh Jobe/Jalyn Armour-Davis/Malachi Moore vs Velus Jones Jr/Cedric Tillman/JaVonte Payton
Tennessee has arguably three top receivers, all of which have had success so far this season. Each of Jobe, Armour-Davis, and Moore could see one-on-one matchups against any of these three receivers at times.
Alabama Crimson Tide vs Tennessee Volunteers Prediction
Alabama has won the last 14 meetings between the Crimson Tide and the Volunteers, with Tennessee’s last victory coming back in 2006. Across those 14 contests, Tennessee has only scored 20+ points twice (2014 & 2018), as well as the Volunteers averaging only 11 PPG in Tuscaloosa across their last seven trips to Bryant-Denny.
Because of this, it is certainly likely that the Crimson Tide make it 15 in a row over the Volunteers on Saturday night. Expect a fast-start from the Crimson Tide on both sides of the ball under the lights at Bryant-Denny, and for Alabama to roll to a win entering a bye week.
Prediction: Alabama 49, Tennessee 14