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College Football Odds: SEC Week 8 picks against the spread

By Nicholas Ian Allen

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Oct 17, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) makes a long run for a touchdown against the Texas A&M Aggies in the first quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports

  • Date: Saturday October 24, 2015
  • Time: 3:30 PM Eastern
  • Location: Tuscaloosa, AL
  • TV Channel: CBS
  • Spread: Alabama -15
  • Over/Under Total: 54

Like four other teams this season, Tennessee had a conveniently placed bye week just ahead of their important SEC matchup with Alabama, which not only allowed the Vols an extra week to prepare for the Tide, but also allowed additional time to celebrate a 38-31 victory over Georgia that may have saved their season following back-to-break heartbreaking losses to Florida and Arkansas.

With running back Jalen Hurd (572 rushing yards, 7 TD) and quarterback Joshua Dobbs (1,101 passing yards, 8 TD, 2 INT, 368 rushing yards, 5 rushing TDs) leading the way, Tennessee has been successful running the football this season. The pair combined for 198 rushing yards against Georgia, with Dobbs doing a lot of the heavy lifting. In fact, Dobbs played like the Heisman Trophy contender many thought he could be this season with 312 passing yards and three TD passes in addition to 118 yards and two more scores on the ground.

However, the Alabama rush defense will pose a much more difficult challenge. The Crimson Tide was very effective slowing down the Georgia rushing attack three weeks ago (with the exception of one long run by Nick Chubb) and has been absolutely dominant over the last two games against Arkansas (44 rushing yards on 25 carries) and Texas A&M (32 rushing yards on 25 carries). And if Tennessee thinks they can survive by relying on the pass, remember the Tide has intercepted nine passes over the last three games and has returned four of them for touchdowns.

Alabama also has Derrick Henry at their disposal, and the running back is coming off a career-best 236 rushing yards against Texas A&M. Expect the Tide to lean heavily on Henry and one of the nation’s most talented defenses, and to pick up a big win before taking a week off to prepare for LSU.

Next: Missouri at Vanderbilt

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