I’m torn.

This is a tough week to predict the outcome of the Alabama-Tennessee game.

Visions of the Volunteers’ last two games dance in my head.

Auburn, an awful first half with Faizon Brandon at quarterback turned into a “meh” second half with George MacIntyre taking the snaps and pulling out an ugly victory.

Then, there’s Arkansas. MacIntyre’s two interceptions and a fumble nearly turned another “meh” performance into a catastrophe.

But, somehow Tennessee is 5-1 and still a contender for a spot in the College Football Playoff.

As far-fetched as that sounds, what the Vols did against Texas says that anything could be possible. If you process things, there’s no way Tennessee should have been trailing by three with time running down and the possibility for a game-tying field goal realistic.

Even though it never materialized, it was there for the taking.

This was a game in which Brandon was sacked 10 times and played most of the second half with a shoulder injury that still bothers him somewhat.

The Vols offense wasn’t necessarily clicking either. DeSean Bishop rushed for fewer than 50 yards.

The Longhorns had experience at quarterback with Arch Manning and they were riding high after a win over Ohio State two weeks earlier.

Alabama, on the other hand, not so much. The Crimson Tide are fresh off an emotional loss to Georgia and are coming into a hostile environment with a first-year starting quarterback and primary receiving target as well as true freshmen running backs.

That’s stuff that makes you say, hhhmmmmm.

Neyland Stadium is going to be crazy. Tradition has it that the winning of the game on The Third Saturday in October gets to light up a victory cigar. It’s the one time that smoking in the House That General Neyland Built will be tolerated, or even encouraged.

Against my better judgment, I’m wrestling with picking the Vols to pull off a stunning victory. I’ve watched huge college football games with rabid fans impacting the electricity of the stadium. Especially with young players, it’s real.

DeSean Bishop has been there in big games. While either Brandon or MacIntyre might be a bit overwhelmed by the atmosphere, they’ll have a steadying influence.

Alabama’s veteran receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams brings the stability to the Crimson Tide offense. Injuries won’t allow him on the field.

That could make a difference.

Tennessee 23, Alabama 21.

TREVOR MCGEE: Alabama 34, Tennessee 17

Tennessee's offense won't be able to keep up with the explosive Alabama offense. The Vols' defense also won't be able to contain Keelon Russell, who isn't going to have an issue escaping the pocket and extending plays.

THEO COLLI: Alabama 31, Tennessee 21

This may be where the "magic", so to speak, wears down for the Vols' season. Alabama is a really good team, and barely losing to Georgia last weekend only proves that. Keelon Russell will sooner or later get to the Vols' defense, which will only be able to hold the Crimson Tide offense at bay for so long.

The real concern for me is if Josh Heupel and company continue to call a soft playbook as they did against Arkansas. Tennessee is going to need to take the deep shot more than they did last game if they want a shot.

CALEB JARREAU: Alabama 27, Tennessee 21

The Vols keep it close, but I'm not sold that the offense can get it done when called upon.

JACK GLENNON: Alabama 24, Tennessee 17

Though the Volunteers have won the past two matchups inside of Neyland Stadium, I do not see a world in which the anemic Tennessee offense keeps up with Keelon Russell and the Tide.

Source: Yahoo Sports