Staff Predictions for Alabama vs Tennessee

This old rivalry moves in streaks and right now the Alabama Crimson Tide has reeled off six straight. The Vols hope to build off the momentum from a victory over South Carolina as it travels to Tuscaloosa this weekend. Many fans and analysts have tried to make this game seem more competitive than Vegas bookmakers want us to believe, but can Tennessee hang in long enough to put pressure on the Crimson Tide in the fourth quarter?

Here's how our staff sees the game being played:

Baron Huber (Host of Houston & Huber) 

The South's greatest rivalry is renewed Saturday in Bryant-Denny Stadium and it appears to be another Alabama Crimson Tide mauling of the Volunteers. Tennessee has momentum from last week's South Carolina win, however, Smokey ain't ready to run with the big dogs. And like the Vol fans who aren't making the trip, he'll have to stay on the front porch. Smoke 'em if you got 'em. Alabama 37, Tennessee 10

Martin Houston (Host of Houston & Huber)

The streak continues against the Vols this Saturday. Tennessee will see some early success running the ball, but the Tide defense will have another stellar  performance. The offense  will continue to improve and put together another dominate Performace.  I originally thought Alabama 38-3, but I've changed my mind a bit. Alabama 42, Tennessee 10

Chris Stewart (Host of The Chris Stewart Show)

This may be the best Tennessee team that Alabama has faced in the last five years. It's also, in my opinion, the best team the Tide has faced in a month.  The Vols' experience up front, on both sides of the ball, should be a concern. That all being said, Bama pulls away in the 4th quarter and takes it's 7th straight over the Vols. Alabama 28, Tennessee 10

Ryan Fowler (Host of The Game)

Alabama needs to establish the momentum early with a couple of quick scores and make a young UT team question whether they have a realistic chance of winning. This will be one of the biggest challenges on both lines of scrimmage the Crimson Tide has played so far.  Alabama 35, Tennessee 7

Ryan McMunn (Producer of The Game and The Chris Stewart Show)

Good ol’ Rocky Top! They have done much better than most predicted this season, and I can see Butch Jones building this program to compete in the SEC East within the next couple of years. However, they are running into a buzz saw this weekend. The Tide have only gotten better each and every week, although losing Vinnie Sunseri for the season is a tough blow for a young Bama defensive secondary and special teams. But again, talent almost always rises to the top, and Alabama definitely has more talent across the board. AJ McCarron has a big day, the running game continues its dominance, and our defense may not allow a point for the 3^rd game this season. But I think the Vols pick up a cheap TD late. Alabama 41, Tennessee 7 

Ben George (Digital Managing Editor)

As much as I want to give some credence to the idea that this rivalry game will be much more competitive than anticipated, I'm having trouble finding a reason to believe that. Tennessee might have more confidence heading into this game than it has since Mt. Cody ripped their hearts out four years ago, but there are too many weaknesses on this team to compete with Alabama. You can't point to any area where the Vols are great so I expect the Crimson Tide to exploit them in every aspect. If you're wearing Crimson on Saturday, pack your cigar. Alabama 38, Tennessee 7