Alabama Football: Early betting line and prediction Tide vs. Vols and other key games

To the surprise of Alabama Football fans, the Crimson Tide failed to cover the spread last week against the Texas A&M Aggies. The Alabama football offense, led by backup quarterback, Jalen Milroe could have scored enough points for an easy win. Even with Milroe appearing to be uncomfortable in his first Crimson Tide start, his performance would have been more than good enough, had the Tide not made three turnovers and missed two field goals.

This week the Crimson Tide is a favorite again, despite continued uncertainty resulting from Bryce Young’s injury recovery.

The Tennessee Vols are a better team than Texas A&M. In the current AP Poll, the Vols are ranked No. 6.

Alabama Football vs. Tennessee Spread Week Seven

FanDuel has the Crimson Tide as an early week, 7.5-point favorite. The over/under is set at 64.5 points. The Moneyline is Alabama -300 and Tennessee +240.

Clearly, the oddsmakers are expecting Bryce Young to play and not be seriously hampered by his shoulder injury. If Young was known to be out for a second game, the Vols would likely be the favorite.

Alabama Football vs. Tennessee Volunteers Game Prediction

Like Vegas, this prediction comes from a belief Bryce Young will start and play without any significant limitations.

In some ways, the Vols are a bad matchup for the Crimson Tide. Playing any good HUNH offense, without the away team defense having noise help from its own fans, stresses even good defenses. The explosive Tennessee offense will be the toughest regular season test for Crimson Tide defenders.

Another area of concern for the Crimson Tide is the Vols have been very good against the run. Their weak schedule may have been the main reason why. But if the Tide cannot run effectively, it will be harder to take advantage of the vulnerable Tennessee secondary.

Bryce Young and the Crimson Tide receivers will need big games. The very good Crimson Tide defense may be challenged to hold the Vols under 30 points. My early week guess is the better team wins on the road, but not by much.

A major key will be the Crimson Tide’s Cheetah Package employing Will Anderson Jr., Dallas Turner and Chris Braswell. With frequent pressure, Hendon Hooker will not play like a Heisman finalist.

Alabama Crimson Tide 34 – Tennessee Vols 31

Point Spreads for other SEC teams

• Georgia is a 34.5-point home favorite against Vanderbilt
• Florida is a 2.5-point home favorite vs. LSU
• Mississippi State is a 7-point road favorite against Kentucky
• Ole Miss is an 18.5-point favorite at home against Auburn
• Arkansas is a 1.5-point road favorite against BYU

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change

An add-on disclaimer – if Bryce Young is fully healthy and the Crimson Tide can consistently run on the Vols, the Tide will roll to a double-digit win.