The Tennessee Volunteers and Alabama Crimson Tide will meet later today, and the staff has made its pick for the matchup.
Sisk is backing Alabama, citing the Tide’s improving play from Keelon Russell and what he called elite talent on defense. He pointed to Tennessee’s recent form as well, saying the Vols are coming off “a middle-of-the-pack type of performance” and still looking for a ranked win. Sisk sees Alabama controlling the game and put his prediction at 35-21 for the Crimson Tide.
Dowden expects a tighter fight. He said both teams have been dealing with issues, but Alabama “looks to be a bit more in sync offensively than the Vols.”
For Tennessee, he said the defensive front has to deliver its best outing of the season, while the offense needs to settle in early. Even with that concern, he left room for a Tennessee upset if Josh Heupel can get the quarterback to “settle in and play loose.”
Greer is leaning toward Tennessee in what he expects to be a physical game that goes deep into the fourth quarter. He highlighted the Vols’ 24-17 road win over Arkansas and said the biggest question is the quarterback spot, with George MacIntyre coming off his first career start.
MacIntyre threw for 247 yards and had 2 interceptions against Arkansas, and Greer said Tennessee will need another strong night from DeSean Bishop and the run game. He also stressed that Tennessee must protect the football, pressure Alabama, and avoid explosive plays if it wants to pull off the upset in Neyland Stadium.
Passons believes Tennessee’s best football is still ahead. He said the defense has already been sensational, while the offense still needs to get rolling, and he thinks this is the game where it all clicks. With the matchup in Knoxville, he called Neyland “a massive advantage” and picked Tennessee to win its third straight game against Alabama in Knoxville.
Elrod also sees a path for the Vols if the defense stays locked in and the run game gets established early. He said DeSean Bishop has been highly productive over the past two games and should help Tennessee control the clock. In his view, a turnover or two from the defense and touchdowns off those chances would be enough for Tennessee to get the win at home.
In Other News...
Peyton Manning Is Suddenly Part Of A Colts Twist Tennessee Fans Noticed
The Colts decision to move on from Chris Ballard after a loss to the Tennessee Titans already gave this AFC South corner of the schedule a little extra juice, and it quickly pulled a familiar name back into the conversation. According to Dan Patrick, Indianapolis reached out to Peyton Manning to see whether he had any interest in the general manager opening, a jolt of news that immediately caught the attention of Tennessee fans who know exactly what Manning has meant to the sport in this region.
For the moment, assistant GM Ed Dodds is running the personnel department for the rest of the season, but the bigger question is whether Indianapolis is simply checking every box or genuinely trying to chart a new direction. For Volunteers fans, Mannings name surfacing in a Colts front-office search adds another unexpected layer to a rivalry that never seems to stay quiet for long. [Read more 🡒]
Josh Heupel Made Sure Tennessee Didn't Forget What Awaits At South Carolina
Josh Heupel made sure Tennessees trip to South Carolina has not been treated like just another SEC road game. Before the Vols head to Columbia, he brought up the sting of last seasons loss there and the way the night unraveled with Hendon Hooker getting hurt, a reminder of how quickly one tough visit can change a seasons feel.
The roster looks a lot different now, with only four current players having been part of the 2022 team and none of them carrying major roles at the time. Heupels point was clear: the atmosphere will be difficult, and Tennessee will need to show up fully ready physically, mentally and emotionally if it wants a better outcome this time. [Read more 🡒]
Tennessee Still Has One Big QB Decision Before South Carolina
George MacIntyre has given Tennessee a timely jolt at quarterback, stepping in to start the past two games and helping the Vols to consecutive wins, including the upset of No. 6 Alabama. With the offense finding some traction under the sophomore, the position suddenly looks less unsettled than it did a couple of weeks ago, even as the Vols prepare for another SEC test.
Still, Josh Heupel has not committed to a definitive starter for South Carolina, leaving one of the most important decisions on the roster unresolved. Faizon Brandon, who opened the season as the starter for the first five games, has been dealing with a shoulder injury and has not played recently, so Tennessees quarterback picture remains fluid heading into the next game. [Read more 🡒]