(Photo: Sports Illustrated) 

Campus Clash

(11) Tennessee Volunteers at (6) Alabama Crimson Tide

Tennessee (5–1):

They’ve won their last three games since the loss to the Georgia Bulldogs in Week 3. I remember after that game, I was saying they had every chance to win, and when you have a team like the Georgia Bulldogs down, you have to close the door on them. But they didn’t do that—and ended up losing a thrilling overtime game at home. When I last spoke about this group, I mentioned how much better their offense looks with Joey Aguilar under center compared to when Nico Iamaleava was running the show. Here’s the issue I have with the Tennessee Volunteers: I struggle to understand their strategy—especially late in games with a lead. They’ll abandon the game plan that’s worked all day and suddenly change things up, which just makes me shake my head. I will never understand why football teams do the opposite of what got them ahead in the first place. Even on defense, they’ll go into a prevent look, yet still give up chunk play after chunk play. Suddenly, the opponent’s in the red zone, and they score. That part of their game needs to tighten up. Other than that, I like what they do as a team. I’ve often called them a basketball team on a football field—they work well in space and use tempo to move quickly upfield. This Saturday, it’s time for a big showdown in Tuscaloosa against a team that’s really starting to click.

Alabama (5–1):

I’m so proud of what this group has done so far this year. People can talk about the Florida State game all they want—but why not talk about how they’ve regrouped since? Let’s look at their last three games specifically: First, the win over the Georgia Bulldogs in Athens, continuing to be a thorn in Kirby Smart’s side. Then, they got their revenge on Vanderbilt and held Diego Pavia in check, keeping him under 200 yards passing. The secondary did a great job of forcing him to throw underneath rather than over the top and just last week in Columbia, against Missouri, they got all they could handle—but still came out on top. That’s three big SEC wins, two of them on the road. This team has turned the page, and Kalen DeBoer has them believing. How about Ty Simpson? It’s time to put more respect on his name—he’s a legit Heisman candidate. He lets the game come to him and isn’t afraid of big moments. When the Crimson Tide need a throw, he delivers. Defensively, they’re improving every week. I liked how they kept Ahmad Hardy of Missouri in check, holding him under 100 yards rushing. In Week 8, they’ll welcome Josh Heupel and the Tennessee Volunteers to town.

Tennessee X-Factor: Tyre West

This Vols defense is filled with playmakers—and Tyre West is one of them. If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I love to talk about that “lane-eater” in the middle of the defensive line—the guy who does the dirty work so the other ten players can fly to the football. That’s exactly what Tyre does, and then some. This defensive line will face a major challenge against a powerful Alabama offensive front. What Tyre West does in the trenches will be pivotal to Tennessee’s defensive game plan.

Alabama X-Factor: Isaiah Horton

Ty Simpson has no shortage of weapons—Ryan Williams, Germie Bernard, and Lotzeir Brooks just to name a few. But over the last month, I’ve noticed a growing chemistry between Ty and Isaiah Horton. Just last year, Horton was catching passes from Cam Ward at Miami. Now, he’s become a consistent chain-mover in this offense. Ty often looks his way when they need a first down. Isaiah has strong hands, pinpoints the ball, and catches with his hands—not his body. I expect him to be targeted often in this game.

Final Thoughts:

It’s the “Third Saturday in October,” and I first previewed this matchup back in 2022—what a game that was in Knoxville! I remember Jaylin Hyatt scoring five touchdowns and torching the Alabama secondary. Last season, these two met again, and Tennessee escaped with a 24–17 win. Now, it’s time for another battle, this time in Tuscaloosa—with both teams coming in hot. What intrigues me most is the quarterback matchup. These are two of the best in the SEC—maybe even in the nation. For Tennessee: They must capitalize on big-play opportunities. Alabama’s defense can be vulnerable to explosive plays, and Tennessee ranks near the top of the SEC in gains of 20+ and 30+ yards. Keeping Joey Aguilar protected will be critical to maintaining rhythm and avoiding turnovers. For Alabama: Attack the Vols’ banged-up secondary early and often. Ty Simpson and his receivers need to exploit that. Establish dominance in the trenches, open running lanes, and give Ty time to work. Defensively, the Tide need to disrupt Tennessee’s rhythm, start fast, and contain their playmakers. In the end, I think the Tide will keep rolling (pun intended).

Prediction:

Alabama 33, Tennessee 24