High Stakes for Tennessee Against Alabama as Playoff Picture Takes Shape
The Third Saturday in October arrives with major College Football Playoff implications for both Tennessee and Alabama. Each team carries one loss into the matchup in Knoxville, so the loser will be left with little margin for error in the playoff race. For Tennessee, it is also a chance to prove it can win a national-stage game after a first half of the season marked by slow offensive starts and heavy reliance on its defense.
The central question for the Volunteers is whether they can score enough. That will fall to quarterback George MacIntyre, an inconsistent offensive line, and running back DeSean Bishop. Head coach Josh Heupel has stressed the need to be better up front, and waiting until the second half to establish the running game is unlikely to work against an Alabama defense ranked 24th nationally against the run, allowing just under 100 rushing yards per game.
Tennessee's defense has carried the team to a 5-1 record, with strong performances against Auburn, Texas and Arkansas keeping the Volunteers in position to win. The unit may get help from Alabama's injury situation, with receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams and starting center Racin Delgatti unavailable. Even so, containing quarterback Keelon Russell will be difficult. Russell has thrown for just under 1,600 yards with 12 touchdowns and two interceptions, while adding 225 yards on the ground, and his ability to extend plays makes him one of the country's most dynamic players.
Defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam could be positioned for a major impact, having already recorded five sacks this season and now facing a backup center. Tennessee will also lean on its home crowd, with no Alabama offensive player having previously played inside Neyland Stadium. A win would leave Tennessee's remaining schedule looking manageable and keep a 10-2 finish and a playoff push within reach, while a loss would make that path considerably harder. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC, with Alabama favored by 7.5 points.