Alabama vs Tennessee Predictions, Picks, and Best Bets | College Football Week 8

The much-anticipated Alabama vs Tennessee matchup will take place this Saturday in front of a roaring crowd in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Alabama, a 3-point favorite, is looking to rebound after a series of subpar performances, while Tennessee boasts a formidable home-field advantage, having gone 19-1 at home since November 2021.

With stakes high for both teams as we head deeper into Week 8 of the college football season, we’ll break down the key components of this SEC showdown and provide Alabama vs Tennessee predictions, along with the best bets for savvy bettors looking to capitalize on this clash.

Alabama’s Recent Struggles: Can They Rebound?

For years, Alabama has been a dominant force in college football, particularly under the leadership of coach Nick Saban.

However, their recent performances have raised eyebrows. Alabama has been outscored 92-73 over their last 10 quarters of play.

While they managed to narrowly defeat Georgia in a 41-34 game after leading 30-7 at halftime, their last two outings have been shaky.

A 40-35 loss to Vanderbilt as a 22.5-point favorite, followed by a tight 27-25 win over South Carolina, leaves questions about Alabama’s consistency on both sides of the ball.

Defensive Concerns

One of the key concerns for Alabama has been their defense. In their last three games, they’ve allowed an average of 33 points per game, while surrendering over 437 total yards per game.

This defensive lapse is likely in part due to the departure of Nick Saban before this season. Whether they can regain their form in Knoxville against a high-energy Tennessee team will be critical to their chances of covering the spread.

Tennessee’s Home Advantage and Defensive Prowess

On the flip side, the Tennessee Volunteers come into this game riding a wave of home-field dominance. Since November 2021, Tennessee has compiled an impressive 19-1 straight-up record at home.

Their only loss during this stretch was to then-number-one-ranked Georgia in 2022. With a capacity crowd of over 100,000 expected in Knoxville for this marquee matchup, Tennessee will look to continue their trend of excelling at home.

Stellar Defense

Tennessee’s defense has been outstanding this season, allowing only 10.7 points per game and 249 total yards per game. In their three SEC matchups this season, the Volunteers have only allowed an average of 17 points and 338 yards per game.

This formidable defense, combined with their home-field advantage, gives Tennessee a strong case to not only cover the spread but potentially pull off another upset against Alabama.

Offensive Challenges

Offensively, Tennessee hasn’t been as dominant, as seen in their 23-17 overtime win against Florida last week.

The Volunteers were likely caught looking ahead to the Alabama game, but even so, they will need to find consistency on offense to fully capitalize on Alabama’s recent defensive struggles.

Key Matchup to Watch: Alabama Offense vs. Tennessee Defense

The critical matchup in this game will be Alabama’s offense versus Tennessee’s defense. Alabama has historically relied on their high-powered offense to overpower opponents, but Tennessee’s stout defense will pose a formidable challenge.

Tennessee has proven they can shut down high-caliber teams at home, and if Alabama’s offense struggles early, this could quickly turn into a long day for the Crimson Tide.

Predictions: Can Tennessee Pull Off the Upset?

Given Tennessee’s dominant home record, combined with Alabama’s recent defensive issues, the recommended pick here is Tennessee +3.

Tennessee’s defense has shown they can handle tough SEC opponents, and Alabama’s inconsistency makes them a risky favorite in this spot.

Tennessee has the tools to control the game and potentially win outright, making the +3 spread an attractive betting option.

Best Bets for Alabama vs Tennessee

Tennessee +3

As noted, Tennessee’s strong defense and Alabama’s recent struggles make Tennessee a solid pick to cover the 3-point spread. With the home crowd behind them and a defense that’s allowed just 10.7 points per game this season, Tennessee has what it takes to keep this game close and possibly pull off the upset.

Total Points: Under 56.5

While both teams have the capability to score, the defensive strength of Tennessee combined with Alabama’s defensive inconsistencies suggests that this game could stay under the total of 56.5. Tennessee’s ability to control the pace with their defense and Alabama’s recent offensive struggles could lead to a lower-scoring affair than anticipated.

Tennessee Moneyline

For those looking for a bit more risk and reward, Tennessee on the moneyline is worth considering. With their home-field advantage and defensive prowess, Tennessee is a legitimate contender to win this game outright, making the moneyline bet a viable option for bold bettors.

Final Thoughts: Betting Insights for Alabama vs Tennessee

This matchup between Alabama and Tennessee is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing games of Week 8.

Alabama enters as a 3-point favorite, but their recent performances have left bettors wary. Tennessee, with a dominant home record and strong defense, is well-positioned to take advantage of Alabama’s defensive lapses.

Betting on Tennessee +3 offers excellent value, as the Volunteers have proven themselves as tough competitors, particularly at home.

For bettors looking for additional value, considering the under 56.5 points and Tennessee moneyline could be smart plays.

This is a game where Tennessee’s defense will likely be the deciding factor, and if Alabama’s struggles continue, the Volunteers could pull off the upset.

Stay Tuned for More College Football Picks

Make sure to stay updated with more free betting advice and in-depth game breakdowns throughout the college football season.

With a wealth of betting insights available, following expert picks and analysis can help you make informed decisions and maximize your success on game day.

For more expert predictions, be sure to check out Wagertalk.com, where you can get premium picks, predictions, and free insights from top handicappers across all major sports.

Alabama vs Tennessee Predictions, Picks, and Best Bets is your go-to resource for understanding this pivotal Week 8 SEC showdown. Stay informed and get ahead with top betting strategies for the rest of the college football season.

Looking for more college football picks and predictions? Stay tuned for additional analysis and expert insights as we dive deeper into this week’s games.

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