The “Third Saturday in October” rivalry carries on even in this COVID world as #2 Alabama Crimson Tide (4-0, 4-0) visit the Tennessee Volunteers (2-2, 2-2) on Saturday, October 24, 2020. A few weeks ago, this game had a lot more juice to it, but it still should be an exciting Saturday afternoon affair. This game will air live on CBS at 3:30 p.m. EST.
Alabama is rolling offensively as they are averaging 48.5 points per game and 561.3 yards per game, 393.0 through the air and 168.3 on the ground. Defensively, the Crimson Tide are allowing 28.8 points and 458.3 yards, 309.0 passing and 149.3 rushing.
Tennessee is struggling on both sides of the ball as the offense is averaging just 23.5 points per game and 329.3 yards per game, 194.5 through the air and 134.8 on the ground. Defensively, the Volunteers are allowing 29.3 points and 362.0 yards, 213.3 passing and 148.8 rushing.
Below is my pick for the #2 Alabama Crimson Tide at Tennessee Volunteers. All odds are from SugarHouse Sportsbook.
#2 Alabama Crimson Tide (-19.5) at Tennessee Volunteers: O/U 61.5 (-110/-110)Last time out, Alabama hosted the #3 Georgia Bulldogs, in the most anticipated game of the season, and came away with a 41-24 victory. The first half was back and forth, as there were two ties and three lead changes, and Georgia took a 24-20 lead into the half. It was all Alabama in the second half as the Crimson Tide scored all 21 points in final two quarters. Quarterback Mac Jones had a great game as he went 24/32 for 417 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. Wide receiver DeVonta Smith hauled in 11 balls for 167 yards and two touchdowns, and Jaylen Waddle had six catches for 161 yards and one touchdown. Running back Najee Harris also had a big night as he rushed the ball 31 times for 152 yards and one touchdown.
Tennessee hosted the Kentucky Wildcats and got blown out of Neyland Stadium, losing 34-7. The game was scoreless after the first quarter, but Kentucky scored 17 straight points in the second quarter and took a 17-7 lead into the half. Kentucky then put the game away with 17 unanswered second half points. Quarterback Jarrett Guarantano had a shocker of a game as he went 14/21 for 88 yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions. The lone bright spot for Tennessee was running back Eric Gray who ran the ball 24 times for 128 yards.
Series History: Alabama has won 13 consecutive matchups in this rivalry and leads the all-time series 57-37-8.
Free Picks: Alabama -19.5 rolls in this rivalry game.
2020 CFB Picks Results: 18-10
