vs. Alabama, Oct. 15
Daniel: As I’ll point out at the end of this article – I feel strongly about UT going 10-2, but don’t really know who the two losses will be to. Alabama remains the safest bet for the loss column, despite some questions coming into the season. I do feel like this is as close to evenly-matched as these programs have been in around a decade. But I expect Alabama to figure out the QB situation as it has the past couple season, Bo Scarbrough could be the next great Alabama back, and I don’t think the defense will miss much of a beat despite having to reload a bit. UT pushes it to overtime, but Butch Jones and Co. aren’t quite ready to get over this hump.
Pick: 31-24 Alabama (in overtime)
Nathanael: The Vols are as close to being evenly matched with Bama as they’ve been in a decade. There are really only a couple units where I think the Tide have a clear advantage, but there are also a couple where the Vols have clear advantages as well. It helps that this game will take place in Knoxville, too. That being said, I still think Bama has the edge and will find a way to win this one. But I think the Vols get another shot at the Tide in a couple months after this.
Pick: 21-20 Alabama
Stephen: A lot of people see this as the one, automatic loss for Tennessee this year. While other games could be lost, they think this one SHOULD be lost. And when you consider the Vols will have just played Florida, Georgia, and Texas A&M back to back, you have to think they will be tired and a little beat up. But wait, Alabama will have played Southern Cal, Ole Miss, a solid Arkansas team and an improving Kentucky team all before going on the road to play the Vols in Knoxville. Nick Saban might be the greatest head coach of my time, but make no mistake about it, he will have his work cut out for him this year without long-time defensive coordinator Kirby Smart and only returning half of their starters. It will be close, but I’m giving Aaron Medley some redemption with a game winner as time expires.
Pick: 24-21 Tennessee
