Roll Tide Wire staff predictions for Alabama vs. Tennessee in Week 7

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One of the SEC's greatest football rivalries will be renewed Saturday afternoon when Alabama and Tennessee meet in Knoxville for the latest chapter of the Third Saturday in October.

A rivalry dominated by Alabama from 2007-21 under former head coach Nick Saban, Tennessee snapped that losing streak back in 2022 at home win in Knoxville, and ever since then, the two teams have split the matchups. Since the 2022 season, Alabama is 2-2 against Tennessee, with the home team winning each game.

With the Crimson Tide now needing a bounce back win after a home loss to Georgia a week ago, can Alabama pick up their first road win in Knoxville since 2020?

Follow along as the Roll Tide Wire staff make their predictions for the latest chapter of the third Saturday in October.

Matt Melton's prediction: Alabama 33, Tennessee 23

While the Crimson Tide have struggled in Neyland recently, I do believe that Alabama will correct some of the same mistakes that plagued those past two trips to Knoxville, in particular by cutting down on the number of penalties. As a result, Alabama is the pick to win, but it certainly not be easy by any means playing in one of college football's top stadium environments.

Stats-wise, expect a big day from Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell, as well as the Crimson Tide defense with at-least two turnovers forced. I also expect a wide receiver to emerge with Ryan Coleman-Williams out, with two names to watch for being Noah Rogers and Cederian Morgan.

Steve Holley's prediction: Alabama 27, Tennessee 20

This is a really good test for Alabama coming off such a close loss to Georgia. This Tennessee team doesn't have an explosive offense or an ideal quarterback situation midway through the season, but it has been good at running the ball and playing good defense; the Vols are second in the SEC in rushing yards and rank top-five in total defense. For Alabama, can you bounce back a week later and bring the same level of intensity for 60 minutes as you did in such a heavyweight fight as last Saturday's bout?

Being without Ryan Coleman-Williams will force Lotzeir Brooks, Rico Scott or possibly Derek Meadows to step up at receiver. Keep an eye on Alabama's tight ends, as well. I found it interesting that Kalen DeBoer is 11-2 in his career since 2020 (his first year as an FBS coach) when coming off a loss. He hasn't lost back-to-back games since 2022. Neyland will be loud and crazy as always with Alabama in town, and rivalry games on the road are always a little unpredictable and can be a little hairy. Expect a four-quarter fight, but I think Alabama does enough to win this.

Elliot Reeder's prediction: Alabama 27, Tennessee 13

Alabama has dropped two straight games in Neyland Stadium and are coming off of a loss to Georgia, so this is a chance for Alabama to exercise some demons. Tennessee has some very talented players such as Xavier Gilliam and DeSean Bishop and are a strong team overall. However, there is a major question at quarterback for the Vols, which is where I give Alabama the biggest edge.

I expect this game to be a bit of a rock-fight at times, but in the end I think Alabama is going to be able to make plays through the air to get the two-score win. I predict that Noah Rogers will make his biggest impact of his Alabama career so far on Saturday with the absence of Ryan Coleman-Williams. I predict Rogers to have at least one long touchdown reception. Something to keep an eye on will be the impact of Neyland Stadium. Alabama has been penalized at least 15 times each of the last two times they have played in Knoxville and no offensive player on Alabama that will play in this game (with Coleman-Williams out) has ever played in Neyland. However, I think Alabama gets it done over their rival.

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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Roll Tide Wire staff predictions for Alabama vs. Tennessee in Week 7

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