October 25th – Alabama
Daniel: Obviously Alabama’s quarterback situation (and, Lane Kiffin, the guy coaching the QBs) makes the Tide a touch less intimidating. Do they even need to throw to beat Tennessee though? That stable of running backs led by T.J. Yeldon and Derrick Henry is borderline unfair and the offensive line and defense will always be dependable under Nick Saban. Expect UT to be more competitive this season, but it’ll still be all Alabama. Winner: Alabama
Houston: Bama will march into Knoxville as arguably the most talented team in the nation. At this point in the season their quarterback situation should be settled and the Tide will likely be hitting their stride. They have one of the best stables of running backs in the SEC and will likely use the three-headed monster of Yeldon, Henry and Drake to ride this one out. The atmosphere will help the Vols stay motivated and they will play Alabama close heading into the fourth quarter, but the Tide are simply too talented and too deep for the Vols this year. Winner. Alabama
Reed: Lane Kiffin makes his much anticipated return to Knoxville on October 25th and Neyland Stadium is sure to be rocking. It’ll take more than a raucous 102, 455 for the Vols to return victorious, though. Alabama has signed the No. 1 class in the country four consecutive years and will undoubtably be the most talented team in the nation. They return over 70% of their production on both sides of the ball and will enter Knoxville as heavy favorites. Tennessee is a year or two away from having the roster to challenge Bama for four quarters. Winner: Alabama
