Alabama Football: Game-by-game predictions for the defending champions
8. Tennessee (Oct. 20)
Alabama has won the past 11 Third Saturday in October games. And this winning streak isn’t likely to change. Historically, this is a rivalry game, which gives some reason to hesitate. Except Tennessee was 4-8 last year overall, and 0-8 in conference.
Jeremy Pruitt is a good coach and a great defensive coordinator. He is also a former assistant of Nick Saban, which may help in facing the coaching legend. But the Volunteers simply do not have the talent this year to compete with Alabama.
Running on their 8th straight week, Alabama will not come out as fresh and dominant as they normally do. Additionally, playing a dynamic Neyland Stadium in Knoxville will be an added challenge to this week’s game. So, look for Alabama’s offense to come off to a slow start in the first half, with their defense keeping them in the game. But the second half should be blown wide open as Alabama makes the necessary adjustments during halftime.