Before every Tennessee football season, a few games on the schedule are circled. This is always one of them.
No. 14 Tennessee (5-1, 2-1 SEC) hosts No. 7 Alabama (5-1, 3-1) on Oct. 17 (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC) in the 109th edition of the Third Saturday in October rivalry between the Vols and Crimson Tide.
Tennessee is 40-61-7 against Alabama all-time. The Crimson Tide won last year's matchup in Tuscaloosa, but the Vols took the two most recent games at Neyland Stadium in 2022 and 2024.
Here's what to know about this year's matchup.
Alabama is an SEC contender in third season under Kalen DeBoer
Alabama was picked sixth in the preseason SEC media poll, but the Crimson Tide now looks like a real player in the College Football Playoff race.
Alabama hosted Georgia and lost 20-17 on Oct. 10 for its first defeat this season.
The Crimson Tide had chances to win, including on its final possession that was defined by a controversial no-call on a potential pass interference in the end zone.
But expectations at Alabama are higher than just being in the mix, especially after being utterly dominant under legendary coach Nick Saban. This is one of just two games left on Alabama's schedule against currently ranked teams, so a win would go a long way in ensuring it makes the playoff.
Keelon Russell is one of nation's best quarterbacks
At the center of Alabama's success this season has been quarterback Keelon Russell, a sophomore and first-year starter who has garnered some discussion as a Heisman Trophy contender and potential top prospect for the 2028 NFL Draft.
Russell has 1,599 yards passing with 12 touchdowns and just two interceptions through six games. He's also been effective extending plays with his legs, totaling 225 rushing yards.
Russell will likely be without his top target this weekend since wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams is doubtful, according to DeBoer. Starting center Racin Delgatty is also dealing with an injury.
It'll help that Alabama's run game is much improved. The Crimson Tide struggled running the ball in DeBoer's first two seasons, finishing last year with 104.1 rushing yards per game, which was second-worst in the SEC. This year it's averaging 182.2 rushing yards per game.
Tennessee's passing offense has been searching for answers
Tennessee's offense has been underwhelming in SEC play, especially considering coach Josh Heupel's track record of having dynamic offenses. It's averaging just 21.7 points per game against conference opponents, and the primary culprit has been a lackluster passing offense that ranks worst in the SEC at 186.5 yards per game.
The first step to improving that will be finding some consistency at the quarterback position. Freshman Faizon Brandon was benched after starting the first five games and sophomore George MacIntyre started against Arkansas on Oct. 10. He had promising moments but also had three turnovers as the Vols barely earned a 24-17 win against the struggling Razorbacks.
Alabama ranks 12th in the SEC in pass defense (236.5 yards allowed per game) so there will be opportunities, but it also has a league-leading nine interceptions.
Tennessee vs Alabama prediction
Alabama 27, Tennessee 20: Tennessee needs to prove it can move the ball through the air, and if it can't it'll be tough to keep up against the Tide. There were flashes against Arkansas, but that came against arguably the worst team in the SEC. Alabama is a different challenge altogether.
The Vols' defense should be able to keep this one close. Whether they can find enough offense is a different question.
Emmett Siegel covers Tennessee baseball for Knox News. Email: emmett.siegel@knoxnews.com; X: @EmmettSiegel_
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Can Tennessee football beat Alabama at Neyland Stadium again? Our pick
