- What: NCAA Football Regular Season Game
- When: October 19, 2024
- Who: Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Tennessee Volunteers
- Time: 12:00 p.m. PST
- Where: Neyland Stadium (Knoxville, TN)
On Saturday, the Tennesse Volunteers will host the Alabama Crimson Tide at Neyland Stadium in one of college football’s best rivalries. The annual game is played on the third Saturday in October.
This is a massive game in the SEC, with the winner being much closer to a College Football Playoff berth. The path gets much more difficult with a loss on Saturday.
Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama has won 16 of the last 17 matchups against Tennessee. After narrowly defeating South Carolina 27-25, the Crimson Tide, currently 5-1, are favored by 3 points in this upcoming SEC clash.
Alabama’s defense seems to have a significant advantage in this matchup. Unless Iamaleava’s decision-making and composure under pressure show significant improvement, the Tide will likely be able to control this game.
However, the Crimson Tide’s defense does seem vulnerable, ranking 39th in defense against the run.
Alabama has certainly been exposed on defense recently. Perhaps it’s due to the loss of defensive-minded coach Nick Saban. New Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer is more offensive-minded.
It’s GAMEDAY!! ????#RollTide pic.twitter.com/WKXFzfaRrZ
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) October 19, 2024
Their defense has allowed a combined 60 points to Vanderbilt and South Carolina in its last two games.
Quarterback Jalen Milroe leads an Alabama offense that ranks 35th in total offense, averaging 442.3 yards per game, and 10th in scoring with 41.7 points per game. He has 23 touchdowns and over 3,000 yards of total offense, with a remarkable 73 percent completion rate.
The Vols defense will have to focus on freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams. Williams is a standout player who leads the team in receptions, receiving yards (576), and touchdown catches (6).
Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee’s defense has been exceptional in 2024, mainly due to the leadership of defensive coordinator Tim Banks. They currently rank second nationally in total defense, allowing only 249.8 yards per game.
Additionally, they are performing well in other key defensive metrics, such as yards per play (4), yards per rush (2.2), and third-down conversions allowed (23.8 percent).
While the Vols defense has been performing well this season, they haven’t faced any player as talented as Alabama’s Jalen Milroe. Tennessee’s recent performance against the struggling Florida Gators, which required overtime and has raised some questions about their offense.
Coming off a 23-17 victory over Florida, Tennessee dropped three spots in the AP poll. The Vols offense started the season hot, scoring 69 against Chattanooga, 71 against Kent State, and 51 against NC State.
ɪᴛ'ꜱ ꜰɪɴᴀʟʟʏ ʜᴇʀᴇ ᴀɢᴀɪɴ
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However, as we’ve seen, Chattanooga and Kent State are among the weakest teams in college football, and NC State has struggled in the ACC.
Tennessee’s offense has struggled against tougher opponents. They scored 25 points against Oklahoma, 14 at Arkansas, and 23 in overtime against Florida.
Excluding overtime, the Vols have averaged just 18.6 points per game in their last three games. Freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava has faced challenges, averaging only 174 passing yards in the past three games.
He has thrown just one touchdown pass and has been sacked 10 times. His struggles can be attributed to his decision-making under pressure.
He has been indecisive in the pocket, which has resulted in sacks, turnovers, delayed throws, and missed opportunities. The Vols will likely rely heavily on running back Dylan Sampson (699 rush yards) to take the pressure off the young QB.
Crimson Tide-Vols Best Bet
The Vols do not want to get it in a shootout with the Crimson Tide. That doesn’t seem like a formula for success with Iamaleava in his first big game against Bama.
Both teams’ defenses will need to step up in this game. I expect Tennessee to force some turnovers and keep this game close. Oddsmakers have set the total at 57 points in this one, and it feels like they’ve overestimated the offenses.
I’d bet Under 57 points as the best bet in this one.
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Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.
