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October 21, 2006: The Prestige is the #1 movie in America. “SexyBack” is the #1 song in America. The World Series commenced, with the Cardinals defeating the Tigers in Game 1. And the Tennessee Volunteers defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide, 16-13.
No one knew it then, but that would be the last time Tennessee knocked Alabama off this century. Alabama has dominated this rivalry since Nick Saban came to town. Saban has yet to lose a game to the Vols, no matter which coach is on the sidelines. Only two times has the result been decided by single digits. All the other contests have been decided by at least two touchdowns.
How to watch Alabama vs. Tennessee
Time: 7 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Watch Online: ESPN App
Betting Odds
(via DraftKings Sportsbook)
Spread: Alabama -25 | Tennessee +25
Total: 68
Alabama’s a heavy favorite in this one. For as many strides Tennessee has made, especially offensively, ‘Bama has better numbers in a few categories. They’ve averaged more PPG, passing yards per game, yards per game, and yards per play. Alabama has weapons galore at their disposal, and Bryce Young looked very comfortable last week against Mississippi State.
Tennessee has been solid defensively, but solid is going to be tough to keep up with here. Granted, UT is averaging less than 5.0 yards per play this year (4.9). They’ve also done stoutly against the run, allowing 3.5 YPC. Can that stand up against ‘Bama? Last week, they allowed 279 yards on 62 carries from Ole Miss. ‘Bama won’t be running 62 times, we figure. But that performance, much like the one they had against Florida, could be signs of concern.
The Tide are overall better than Tennessee so they should prove victorious here. Tennessee’s best bet would probably figure to be some turnover luck. Offensively, they should be able to hold their own for at least a little bit. But the walls will likely cave in, and Saban would remain unbeaten against the Vols if the Tide finished them off again.