Alabama vs. Tennessee point spread: Picking Crimson Tide vs. Volunteers

Alabama is an 8.5-point favorite over Tennessee heading into the final stretch of game week, per FanDuel Sportsbook. 2022’s matchup saw the Volunteers pull off the improbable upset, and the Crimson Tide ready to put that loss behind them with a big win at home.

To give us a bit more insight before the weekend, On3’s Andy Staples welcomed college football writer Richard Johnson to his show to reveal his pick between the two ranked SEC opponents.

“I think Tennessee does not get enough credit for how good they are up front on defense,” Johnson told Staples. “I think they’re going to get in Milroe’s face and pressure him. I’m taking Tennessee against the number here.”

Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. and Tyler Baron have combined for 11 sacks at the midway point in the season. At 6.0 and 5.0 sacks respectively, they rank No. 2 and No. 4 in the SEC in total sacks. Fellow DL Kurott Garland and LB Aaron Beasley have two sacks to their credit this season as well to round out a stiff defensive front facing the Crimson Tide this weekend.

“I’m with you on that, Richard,” Staples said. “James Pearce has been fantastic. If you watch that Tennessee-Texas A&M game, they were in Max Johnson‘s lap constantly. He had no time to throw. Not only was Tennessee getting pressure from the edges, they were getting pressure from the middle. I think they can do that against Milroe. … I think both quarterbacks are going to be harassed in this game, and that’s going to create a lot of variability and potential for turnovers.

“I think Alabama is winning, but it’s very easy to comtemplate a close game here. … I am picking Alabama to win but for Tennessee to cover here.”

If one thing is for sure, this will be one of the most physical matchups we’ll see in the SEC all season. Both teams still have something to prove at this point in the season, and both see this game as a pivotal opportunity to turn their respective seasons around.

Both programs come into the Weekk 8 matchup with one loss on their record. While this isn’t a division matchup, the stakes are just as high. The opening kickoff for Saturday’s matchup between the Crimson Tide and Volunteers is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET live on CBS. The over/under point total is set at 48.5 points.