Saturday’s Football Lineball features a primetime line-up between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Alabama Crimson Time. Each period is 5-1. Tennessee counts.
Here are my predictions for tennessee vs. Abama.
Tennessee vs. Alabama Odds
– Money Line: Tennessee +245 / Alabama -305
– Point spread: Tennessee +8.5 (-115) / Alabama -8.5 (-105)
– Over / under: over 59.5 (-105) / Under 59.5 (-115)
Tennessee vs. Alabama best bet #1: Under 59.5 (-115)
The Crimson Tite is the top team in this game and they are playing at home, so they should be able to predict the pace at which this game is played. That means it’s likely to be slower and a bit more methodical than the volunteers would like, as the tides prefer to run the ball and run the clock. As it is, there may not be enough assets for both teams to take this game further.
Alabama running backs Jam Miller and Kevin Riley took a lot of pressure from quarterback TY Simpson. The game script probably calls for the Crimson Tite to grab a quick lead and milk the clock with Miller and Riley. The Tide started their 2025 with a touchdown drive against FSU that lasted nearly nine minutes. Had four drives in more than five minutes in an upset win at UGA and two interceptions in more than seven minutes against Vanderbilt. Last weekend’s win over Missouri featured a nine-minute drive.
Tennessee may need to run the ball more than usual, too. That’s because Alabama’s Pass Defense is amazing. Head Coach Kalen Deboer’s team ranks third nationally in that department, giving up 135.7 yards per contest. It’s also worth noting that ‘Bama ranks in the top 20 in the country in Red-Zone Defense.
Finally, the Volunteers committed three turnovers in their only real road game this season at Mississippi State.
Tennessee vs. Alabama is the best player to bet: Desean bishop to score a touchdown (+130)
Although he shares the Tennessee backfield with star Thomas, Bishop is usually the featured RB when it matters most. The sophomore from Knoxville has scored 15, 11 and 14 in the Vols’ three contests. On the other hand, Thomas did not strike out more than 10 times in any conference game. Bishop has been especially hot in recent weeks, scoring at least one touchdown in three straight touchdowns – including two against UAB. Last week against Arkansas he had 146 yards and a score. The bishop should be the line of the great night. Good for the money and great value to get the endzone.
