October 24th at Alabama
Daniel: I know, Alabama doesn’t have a quarterback, doesn’t have Amari Cooper and Nick Saban is reportedly hating life in Tuscaloosa. I also realize the schedule sets up well for UT in this one, going down there after a bye while the Tide will have played the previous seven weeks. But what Alabama does have will be too much for the Vols. Running back Derrick Henry is an absolute monster when used correctly, and I have a gut feeling that they’ll eventually settle in on Cooper Bateman at quarterback this year, who has a lot of the athletic upside of Blake Sims and can run around and make plays like Sims did last year. The secondary might not be vintage ‘Bama quality, but the front seven is, and I’m not sure UT can consistently block it for four quarters. I do think UT takes another step closer to Alabama and goes down and plays its most competitive game since ’09 in Tuscaloosa, but I’m not ready to call for a win at this point. Winner: Alabama
Houston: This will be Tennessee’s best chance to beat Alabama in a long time. The Vols are coming into this game off of a bye week while Bama will be playing their eighth straight game, and the fourth of a stretch that includes Arkansas, Georgia and Texas A&M. The Vols showed last year that they have the ability to move the ball against Alabama, and Joshua Dobbs had some success through the air and on the ground. How does Bama look without Blake Simms and Amari Cooper? Is their defense as good as many are predicting? I have a lot of questions about Alabama this year, but until I get some answers I can’t pick the Vols in this one. Close game, Bama pulls it out late. Winner: Alabama
Reed: For the first time in ages, the Vols have a decent shot to win this game. Saban’s squad has real questions at QB and WR, but they’re still the most talented team in the nation and will prove to be extremely tough to beat at home. The Vols battle but fall in T-Town. Winner: Tide
