Alabama Football: Three Bold Predictions for Bama vs Tennessee

1. Alabama Football outrushes Tennessee

It would surprise nearly everyone if Bama could pull this off, given that the Tennessee run game has been potent all season while the Tide’s has been erratic. One of the most parroted stats in the lead up to this game is the fact that Tennessee racked up 232 rushing yards against Texas A&M’s imposing front seven, while Bama mustered just 23 yards against the same group.

If Bama will commit to the run game, it has shown the ability to wear opponents out over the course of four quarters. The third quarter against Arkansas last week was arguably the best the run game has looked all season. The Tide can utilize the rotation of Jase McClellan, Roydell Williams, and Jam Miller with a little bit of Justice Haynes to keep its backfield fresh.

Although I think Bama’s running game is underrated, this prediction is more of a vote of confidence for the Alabama defense. Tennessee may have the best run game in the country, trailing only triple-option service academies in many rushing metrics. If anybody can stymie this ground assault, I think it is the Alabama defense. With a rotation of future pros on the interior defensive line and a presumably healthy Deontae Lawson and Malachi Moore, this defense is absolutely elite against the run.

If it brings its lunch pail, I can envision Alabama outrushing Tennessee somewhere in the neighborhood of 150-125.