Alabama vs Tennessee Picks and Prediction for Saturday October 17, 2026
The Alabama Crimson Tide will travel to Knoxville, Tennessee, Saturday afternoon for an SEC matchup against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 PM with national coverage on ABC. Alabama enters the weekend ranked No. 6 nationally with a 5-1 overall record following a narrow 20-17 loss against Georgia last Saturday. Tennessee comes into this game ranked No. 14 nationally with a 5-1 record after picking up a 24-17 road victory against Arkansas. Alabama is an 8.5-point favorite, with the total set at 51.5 points. The Crimson Tide are -325 on the moneyline, while Tennessee comes in at +260. Stay in the action with our College Football Picks.
Alabama looks to get back on track
Keelon Russell is leading Alabama this season with 1599 yards and 12 scores on 110 completions, along with 225 yards and four touchdowns on 46 carries. Trae’Shawn Brown leads the Alabama backfield with 301 yards and five touchdowns on 51 carries, and Daniel Hill has added 55 carries for 262 yards and four touchdowns. EJ Crowell has also run the ball well this season for Alabama with 215 yards and four touchdowns on 31 carries. Ryan Coleman-Williams leads Alabama with 415 yards and four touchdowns on 23 catches. Lotzeir Brooks is second on the team with 389 yards and one score on 23 catches, and Rico Scott has added 18 catches for 224 yards and three scores.
The Alabama offense moved the ball well against Georgia, scoring 17 points on 346 total yards but failed to score in the fourth quarter and turned the ball over one time in the loss. Defensively, Alabama was outmatched, giving up 20 points as Georgia compiled 455 total yards. Heisman Trophy candidate Keelon Russell led the show for Alabama against Georgia with 185 yards and one touchdown on 16 completions, along with 41 yards on 9 carries. Trae’Shawn Brown led the way on the ground for Alabama with 90 yards on 9 carries. Ryan Coleman-Williams was the top target in the Alabama offense with 39 yards on three catches. Lotzeir Brooks added 37 yards on 2 catches, and Marshall Pritchett chipped in two catches for 32 yards and one score.
Tennessee hunts the SEC upset
The Tennessee Volunteers did the work a week ago, scoring 24 points on 414 total yards. Defensively, Tennessee was a better team, giving up 17 points but none in the first half as Arkansas compiled 288 yards. George MacIntyre led the way for the Tennessee offense last week, completing 18 passes for 247 yards and one score in the game. DeSean Bishop was the top ball carrier on the roster with 138 yards and one touchdown on 19 carries. DaSaahn Brame led the team with 87 yards on three catches and ran the ball once for one yard and one score. Mike Matthews chipped in heavily with 78 yards on 4 catches.
Faizon Brandon is leading the Tennessee offense this season with 697 yards and seven touchdowns on 61 completions, along with 130 yards and three touchdowns on 53 carries. George MacIntyre has compiled 395 yards and two scores on 32 completions. DeSean Bishop leads Tennessee with 678 yards and eight touchdowns on 107 carries, while Daune Morris has added 332 yards and two touchdowns on 54 carries. Mike Matthews is the top target in the Tennessee offense with 396 yards and three touchdowns on 22 receptions. Braylon Staley added 193 yards and two touchdowns on 24 receptions.
Alabama vs Tennessee Picks and Prediction
Pick: Alabama Crimson Tide -8.5
Alabama will look to get back in the win column Saturday afternoon following a disappointing loss against Georgia. The Crimson Tide have the talent and experience necessary to handle a difficult road environment against Tennessee. Alabama should be able to establish its offense early and put pressure on the Volunteers to keep pace throughout the afternoon. Tennessee has played well this season and will have a significant home-field advantage, but the Crimson Tide have enough offensive weapons to create problems for the Volunteers defense. Alabama will need to avoid costly turnovers and maintain control of the football. Look for the Crimson Tide to respond with a strong performance and pick up an important SEC road victory.
Pick: Over 51.5
Alabama and Tennessee should produce plenty of offensive opportunities Saturday afternoon in Knoxville. Both teams have enough talent to move the football consistently and create scoring chances throughout the game. Alabama will look to establish its offensive rhythm early after struggling to produce points against Georgia last weekend. Tennessee should be able to generate offense in front of its home crowd and will need to put points on the board to remain competitive. The Volunteers have the offensive weapons to challenge Alabama's defense, while the Crimson Tide should find success against Tennessee. Expect both teams to create enough scoring opportunities to push this matchup over the posted total.