Alabama @ Tennessee Preview And Prediction

No. 6 Alabama travels to No. 14 Tennessee for a massive SEC rivalry showdown. Can Keelon Russell bounce back and keep the Tide’s playoff hopes alive?

One of college football’s greatest rivalries returns Saturday afternoon as No. 6 Alabama (5-1) travels to Knoxville to face No. 14 Tennessee (5-1) in the Third Saturday in October showdown.

Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC, and both programs have plenty to prove.

Alabama is coming off a heartbreaking 20-17 loss to Georgia, while Tennessee narrowly escaped Arkansas with a 24-17 victory.

The Crimson Tide defeated Tennessee 37-20 last season, but the Volunteers have won the last two meetings in Knoxville.

With both teams fighting for College Football Playoff positioning, Saturday’s matchup could have enormous consequences.

Alabama: Can Keelon Russell Bounce Back?

Alabama’s offense has been one of the nation’s most explosive units, averaging 44.2 points per game.

Quarterback Keelon Russell has thrown for 1,599 yards, 12 touchdowns, and just two interceptions while adding 225 rushing yards and four scores.

However, Georgia exposed some weaknesses in the sophomore quarterback’s game.

Russell completed just 16 of 30 passes for 185 yards and one touchdown against the Bulldogs, struggling to consistently move the football against an elite defense.

Saturday presents another difficult challenge.

Tennessee is allowing just 15.5 points per game and has surrendered only three passing touchdowns through six games.

Making matters worse, Alabama is expected to be without leading receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams, who has recorded 415 receiving yards and four touchdowns.

That means Lotzeir Brooks, who has 389 receiving yards, and Rico Scott will need to step up.

The Crimson Tide must also establish their rushing attack to prevent Tennessee from putting all its attention on Russell.

Tennessee: The Volunteers Have a MAJOR Problem

Tennessee has managed to win five of its first six games, but Josh Heupel’s offense has serious questions at quarterback.

Freshman Faizon Brandon has battled a shoulder injury, forcing George MacIntyre into his first career start against Arkansas.

MacIntyre completed 18 of 29 passes for 247 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.

And against Alabama’s talented secondary, those mistakes could prove extremely costly.

The Volunteers rank just 110th nationally in passing offense, averaging 186.5 yards per game.

However, Tennessee has been outstanding on the ground.

Running back DeSean Bishop has rushed for 678 yards and eight touchdowns, helping Tennessee average 228.3 rushing yards per game.

Bishop will be the biggest threat to Alabama’s defense, especially considering Georgia rushed for more than 200 yards against the Crimson Tide last weekend.

Wide receiver Mike Matthews, who leads Tennessee with 396 receiving yards, could also create problems if Alabama becomes too focused on stopping the run.

How Each Team Wins

For Alabama, the formula starts with forcing Tennessee to throw the football.

If the Crimson Tide can contain Bishop and put the Volunteers into third-and-long situations, their defense should have opportunities to create turnovers.

Offensively, Russell must protect the football, utilize his mobility, and attack Tennessee’s secondary without forcing unnecessary throws.

For Tennessee, everything revolves around establishing the rushing attack and controlling possession.

The Volunteers must also generate consistent pressure on Russell and prevent Alabama from creating explosive plays downfield.

A loud Neyland Stadium crowd could make things difficult for Alabama, particularly if Tennessee establishes an early lead.

Prediction

I expect a physical, defensive battle between two SEC rivals.

Tennessee’s rushing attack will create problems early, but I don’t trust the Volunteers’ quarterback situation against Alabama’s defense.

Whether it’s Brandon or MacIntyre under center, Tennessee simply hasn’t demonstrated enough consistency throwing the football.

Russell should respond with a much cleaner performance after struggling against Georgia, although I don’t expect Alabama’s offense to put up its usual explosive numbers.

The Crimson Tide will establish a narrow lead before halftime and gradually take control in the second half.

I expect Alabama’s defense to force multiple turnovers, while Russell makes enough plays to secure a comfortable road victory.

Final Score: No. 6 Alabama 24, No. 14 Tennessee 13

Alabama gets back on track, improves to 6-1, and keeps its College Football Playoff hopes alive. Tennessee’s quarterback struggles ultimately prove too much to overcome.

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