Tennessee vs. Alabama: College Football Week 8 Odds & Picks

I thought we had the Colorado game wrapped up last week but the 2nd-half collapse was jaw-dropping and frustrating.  I like some teams coming off bye this week and I'm going to double-tap Florida State and against Auburn that paid off last week. Here are all of my best bets for the week. Below we dive into Tennessee vs. Alabama.

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College Football Week 8 Picks & Predictions: Tennessee vs. Alabama

Week 6 Record: 4-6 | 2023 Record: 34-36 | Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook

Tennessee vs. Alabama 

This game last season was a high-flying affair but with A LOT of pieces missing this one should turn into a run-heavy, field position, last one to make a mistake takes the loss type of game.  Bryce Young and Hendon Hooker have been replaced by Jalen Milroe and Joe Milton.  Jahmyr Gibbs and Jalin Hyatt are gone as well and those four players combined for 10 TDs in this game last year

The post-Texas Alabama defense hasn't allowed a team to score more than 21 points and has allowed barely over 300 yards of offense to anyone including some strong SEC teams in Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Texas A&M, and Arkansas.  

Tennessee hasn't allowed more than 20 points since their loss to Florida.  The competition hasn't been on par with Alabama but still good in UTSA, South Carolina, and Texas A&M.

Alabama and Tennessee rely on the run game for offensive success and both also have very strong run defenses. I feel like this game is going to be a lot of short-yardage running plays, incomplete passes, and then big explosive plays as both defenses will be trying to stack the box against the run.

Tennessee currently ranks 132nd in Time of Possession this season. Alabama controlling the ball and clock favors the Under as well as they are ranked 87th in Pace of Play.   

I feel like Dallas Turner and James Pearce will be the big-impact guys instead of the QBs and the defense will take the day.  Run-first offenses with strong defenses and a below-average pace of play should have these teams playing tight and trying not to make the big mistake.  I really like this Under is this one!

Bet: UNDER 48.5 (-110)

-Scott Bogman

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