Alabama vs Tennessee Game Preview: Everything You Need To Know Before Kickoff
The Third Saturday in October has arrived and that means it's time to renew one of the south's best rivalries. Alabama and Tennessee are set to square off for the 100th time this weekend as Nick Saban tries to keep his perfect record against the Vols intact.
Here's all the info you need to get ready for Saturday afternoon's game.
No. 1 Alabama (7-0, 4-0) vs Tennessee (2-3, 0-3)
When: Saturday, October 21 at 2:30 PM/CT
Where: Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, AL
Weather: Saturday might be the best gameday weather of the year with mostly sunny skies and temperatures expected to be in the 70s. There's a chance it could hit 80 degrees, but a light breeze and little humidity will make for a pleasant afternoon.
TV: CBS (Play-by-play: Brad Nessler, color analyst: Gary Danielson, sideline reporter: Allie LaForce)
Radio: Crimson Tide Sports Network (Play-by-play: Eli Gold, color analyst: Phil Savage, sideline reporter: Chris Stewart). Listen on 95.3 the Bear and Tide 102.9/100.9 in Tuscaloosa.
Spread: Alabama is a 36-point favorite over Tennessee, according to Bovada, and that's the largest point spread in this history of this series. The Crimson Tide is 3-4 ATS in 2017.
Series History: This series has been a streaky one through the first 99 matchups. Beginning in 1901, Alabama leads the all-time series 54-37-8 (52-38-7 after vacations), and that includes the current 10-game winning streak for the Tide since Nick Saban took over the program. Prior to his arrival in 2007, the Vols had won 10 out of 12 in the series. One more win on Saturday for Alabama would match the longest streak in the series, which Alabama put together from 1971-1981.
Last Meeting: It's easy to forget that Tennessee came into last year's game ranked 11th in the country with one loss, but Alabama gave the Vols one of its worst losses in program history, 49-10. That margin of victory was the most in the series in more than 100 years. The Crimson Tide executed in all facets of the game on the way to the blowout win. Quarterback Jalen Hurts led the team in passing and rushing and accounted for four total touchdowns. Bo Scarbrough rushed for 109 yards and one touchdown on just five carries. Alabama also tacked on a defensive touchdown from Ronnie Harrison and a punt return touchdown from Eddie Jackson. Tennessee finished the day with only 163 total yards in the loss.
Last Week: Alabama jumped out to a quick lead on Arkansas last Saturday. It began with a Damien Harris 75-yard touchdown run on the first play of scrimmage continued through the first quarter as Alabama scored 17 points in the first 7+ minutes of the game. The Crimson Tide tacked on points every quarter and closed out a 41-9 victory, which was the 11th in a row against the Hogs.
The Volunteers lost their second consecutive home game last weekend as offensive struggles continued to plague Butch Jones' team. Tennessee moved the ball in the first half but couldn't find the endzone. After taking a 9-3 lead into halftime, the Vols went scoreless in the second half and fell 15-9 to South Carolina. That game extended the team's streak to 10 quarters without a touchdown.