The third Saturday in October rivalry game is all set to be played at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. Since 2006, Tennessee and Alabama have played 17 games. Any guesses about the head-to-head? You’ll be surprised, but the Bama boys have secured 16 out of 17 victories. The only victory for the Vols came in a 52-49 thriller in 2022, but the Tide got their revenge in the 2023 season. However, much has changed in Bama, not least their head coach, who made a mockery of the rivalry with the Vols. Despite that, analysts are giving the Tide an edge, even though it is an away game.

In the recent episode of the Joel Klatt show, Klatt forecasts a tight game, explaining that Alabama will edge out Tennessee with a score of 24-20. “Who improves fastest when Tennessee has the ball and Bama is trying to defend them? Who improves the fastest? That’s where the game is going to be won and lost.”

Klatt further raised doubts about Tennessee’s offensive performance while praising their defense. “Tennessee’s defense is the reason that they’re in this position to begin with because their offense has gone totally MIA,” he said. “I really enjoy watching Tennessee’s defense play, and they’re going to face an Alabama offense that’s one of, if not the most explosive offense in college football.” This sets the stage for an intriguing battle as the Crimson Tide, well-known for their high-scoring games, faces Tennessee’s defense that has yet to allow 20 points in a game this year.

Moving forward, Klatt explained the dynamics of the game and how it could be a challenge for Tennessee. “When the opposite units walk onto the field and we get Nico Iamaleava against the Alabama defense, it’s like struggle bus time because both of those sides of the football are in desperate improvement.”

In that sense, the game can be decided between the crucial matchup between Bama’s defense and Vols’ offense; both have had their shaky moments this season. Having said that, we also have a QB battle to look forward to.

More like a QB battle between Jalen Milroe and Nico Iamaleava

The Heisman Trophy candidate, Jalen Milroe, is ready to roll against the No. 11 Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday. Alabama enters the game with last week’s 27-25 tight win over South Carolina. Tennessee, on the other hand, coming off a 23-17 win over Florida. Alabama has two ways to win this game: either leverage every bit of skill from Jalen Milroe or disrupt Iamaleava.

Kalen DeBoer highlighted Milroe’s abilities, saying, “He’s talented. You can see it’s there. He’s still, I think, growing and developing, and we’ve just got to make sure we disrupt him enough and make sure we disrupt him enough and make sure we’re showing pictures and also getting bodies on the outside to where we make life hard like we would want to any other opponent, deBoer said.

While the question about Alabama’s defense still remains a question mark. Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack is prepared with his strategy for Tennessee’s QB Iamaleava on Saturday.