Alabama vs. Tennessee Prediction, Pick Against the Spread, Latest Odds
The Tennessee Volunteers will look to edge the Alabama Crimson Tide in a heavyweight SEC battle in Knoxville today. Can Nico Iamaleava and the Vols pull the upset at home? Matt McCuen breaks down this matchup and provides a pick against the spread for Alabama vs. Tennessee.
Matt McCuen - October 19, 2024, 10:16 AM EDT
4 minAlabama vs. Tennessee Prediction, Pick Against the Spread, Latest Odds
The Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers will renew one of College Football's best rivalries on Saturday afternoon. Rocky Top will be the site for this highly anticipated SEC showdown.
These two teams first played on November 28th, 1901. That game ended in a 6-6 tie. One can only assume that the under cashed that day.
Since then, these two programs have played 105 times. The Tide leads the all-time series 60-38-8. The rivalry has adopted the nickname the "Third Saturday in October". This year's game is significant for two one-loss teams looking to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Alabama vs. Tennessee Odds
- Spread: Alabama -3 (-110), Tennessee +3 (-110)
- Total Odds: O 56.5 (-110), U 56.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Alabama (-145), Tennessee (+120)
The Alabama spread odds opened at -3 and haven't moved much despite getting over 62% of the bets. It is hard to make them more than a field-goal favorite on the road in this Rocky Top environment, especially against a potent Tennessee offense. Both teams have underperformed in recent weeks, barely surviving at home as double-digit favorites. The total has bumped up a bit after opening at 55.5, and has ticked up to 57 in some spots. While these squads have solid defenses, there are always a lot of points when they get together.
Alabama vs. Tennessee Date, Time, and Where To Watch
- Date: October 19, 2024
- Time: 3:30 pm ET
- Where To Watch: ABC
Alabama vs. Tennessee Prediction
Alabama begins the contest ranked 7th in the nation with a record of 5-1. The Tide's lone loss came on the road against Vanderbilt when they were ranked No. 1 in the nation. The loss came after an epic 41-34 win over Georgia, who was previously ranked second.
Junior Jalen Milore leads the offense with 1,483 yards, 12 touchdowns, and four interceptions.
Texas native Jam Miller leads the ground game with 360 yards and five touchdowns.
Freshman phenom Ryan Williams has racked up a team-best 576 yards and six touchdowns.
The Tide ranks 32nd in points allowed per game (20.8).
Tennessee begins play with a 5-1 record. That record has earned them the11th ranking in the nation.
Today feels like a must-win day for the Vols, who want to keep their playoff and SEC championship hopes alive. On paper, this Vols team is as good as anyone in the nation. Tennessee dropped their lone game on the road against Arkansas in a thriller. The Vols were tested last weekend, as they needed overtime to beat the Florida Gators.
Freshman Nico Iamaleva leads the team with 1,219 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions.
Running back Dylan Sampson has been one of the best backs in football this season. Sampson has scampered for 699 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Dont’e Thornton Jr. leads the Vols with 295 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
The Vols have allowed opponents 12.2 points per game, ranking 5th in the nation.
Alabama vs. Tennessee Pick
- Pick: Tennessee +3.5 -115 Click here for the latest Alabama vs. Tennessee odds
On paper, these two teams are fairly evenly matched.
Tennessee's major advantage in this game is playing on their home field.
Bama struggled on the road against Vanderbilt, and I expect them to struggle again tonight.
Tennessee has an elite defense, and its offensive pace of play will cause Alabama problems.
I expect a great game in Knoxville tonight in which the Vols win and cover.
