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Alabama Crimson Tide vs Tennessee Volunteers Betting Preview
The Alabama Crimson Tide and Tennessee Volunteers renew their rivalry in the annual “Third Saturday in October” matchup, with major SEC implications on the line. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM ET on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, airing on ABC.
This top-15 showdown features two powerhouse programs chasing championship aspirations — No. 6 Alabama (5-1, 3-0 SEC) riding a five-game win streak, and No. 11 Tennessee (5-1, 2-1) eager to stay in contention for the SEC crown.
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Alabama on a Mission
After a sluggish start to the season and an opening loss to Florida State, Alabama has found its rhythm. The Crimson Tide have rattled off five straight wins, including consecutive road victories over top-15 opponents Georgia and Missouri.
Quarterback Ty Simpson has been the engine behind Alabama’s resurgence and has now vaulted into the Heisman Trophy conversation. Through six games, Simpson has completed nearly 71% of his passes for 1,678 yards, 16 touchdowns, and just one interception.
In last week’s 27-24 win at Missouri, Simpson threw three touchdown passes, helping Alabama snap the Tigers’ 15-game home winning streak. His calm leadership and precision have restored confidence in an offense that struggled early in the season.
The defense has matched the offense’s improvement. Alabama ranks seventh nationally in interceptions (6) and has allowed just two turnovers all year — a key advantage heading into this rivalry clash.
The Tide also boast the nation’s longest active home winning streak at 15 games, making Tuscaloosa one of the toughest places for any opponent to escape with a victory.
Get the latest college football odds and totals before kickoff.
Tennessee Ready to Test the Tide
Tennessee enters the rivalry on a roll after winning three straight since its overtime loss to Georgia on Sept. 13. The Volunteers narrowly defeated Arkansas 34-31 last week, powered by their dynamic offense and opportunistic defense.
Quarterback Joey Aguilar continues to shine under coach Josh Heupel’s fast-paced system. Aguilar has thrown for 1,680 yards, 14 touchdowns, and five interceptions while leading an offense that ranks first nationally in scoring.
The Volunteers racked up 494 total yards against Arkansas, including 273 on the ground. Running back DeSean Bishop remains a key contributor with 481 rushing yards and five touchdowns, while receiver Chris Brazzell II (536 yards, seven TDs) has emerged as a top deep threat.
Defensively, Tennessee thrives on pressure. The Vols rank second nationally in sacks and fumbles recovered, forcing opponents into mistakes that create extra possessions for their high-octane offense.
Check live lines and stats on the college football picks page.
Line Movement and Odds
Oddsmakers opened Alabama as an 8-point home favorite with a total of 58.5. Early betting has been balanced, with sharp money backing Tennessee’s offensive firepower to keep it close.
Current Odds:
- Alabama -8.0 (-109)
- Tennessee +8.0 (-110)
- Total: 58.5 (Over -112 / Under -109)
Alabama is 29-1 straight-up in its last 30 home games, while Tennessee is 3-0 straight-up on the road this season.
Matchup Breakdown
Alabama Crimson Tide Outlook
Ty Simpson’s chemistry with receivers Germie Bernard (412 yards) and Jalen Hale gives Alabama balance, but the real advantage lies in discipline and efficiency. The Tide have just two turnovers all year and dominate time of possession, wearing opponents down late.
Defensively, Alabama’s front seven continues to pressure quarterbacks, while its secondary limits big plays. Against Tennessee’s high-tempo scheme, Alabama’s ability to rotate depth will be crucial.
Tennessee Volunteers Outlook
The Vols’ offensive versatility is their greatest weapon. Aguilar’s quick decision-making and the running back duo of Bishop and Cam Seldon can stretch Alabama’s defense horizontally and vertically. Expect Tennessee to push the tempo and attack early through the air.
Defensively, Tennessee’s aggressiveness must be balanced with discipline. If the Vols overcommit on blitzes, Simpson has shown the ability to punish defenses with deep completions and smart checkdowns.
Key Edge
Turnovers and red-zone efficiency will define this game. Alabama has been nearly flawless protecting the football, while Tennessee’s pressure-based defense thrives on chaos. If the Tide maintain composure and limit explosive plays, they’ll control tempo.
Conversely, if Tennessee’s front seven can force early mistakes, the Vols’ offense can keep pace and make it a one-score contest deep into the fourth quarter.
Betting Trends
- Alabama is 29-1 straight-up in its last 30 home games.
- Alabama is 6-0 ATS in its last six home games.
- Tennessee is 8-1 hitting the over in its last nine games.
- Tennessee is 3-0 straight-up in its last three road games.
- Alabama is 20-3 in games with totals of 50+ points since 2023.
Best Bets and Prediction
Both teams bring elite offenses and playmaking quarterbacks, setting up a potential SEC classic. Alabama’s experience, depth, and home dominance give them the edge, but Tennessee’s balanced scoring attack should keep things close into the fourth quarter.
Projected Score: Alabama 31, Tennessee 27
Best Bet: Tennessee +8
Secondary Lean: Over 58.5
For more SEC game previews and betting analysis, visit ScoresAndStats College Football.
