Our Tennessee vs. Alabama predictions expect Isaiah Horton to find paydirt in this Week 8 matchup.
It’s the "Third Saturday in October", which means only one thing in the college football universe. It’s time for the Volunteers and Crimson Tide to face off.
There are expectations for an amazing game with plenty of offensive firepower, and my Tennessee vs Alabama college football player prop picks have keyed on three individuals who will be heavily involved in the outcome of the contest.
Be sure to also check out our full Tennessee vs. Alabama predictions for October 18!
Tennessee vs Alabama props for Week 8
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Prop bet #1: Isaiah Horton anytime touchdown
There’s nothing wrong with playing the hits, and an Isaiah Horton anytime touchdown has been topping the charts for me much of the season.
As Ryan Williams continues to waste opportunities, Horton has been a reliable option for Ty Simpson. He’s third on the team in targets, catching 21 of his 27 on the season. His 1.13 EPA/play is also far better than that of either Germie Bernard or Williams.
Tennessee ranks near the bottom nationally in red zone defense, having allowed 18 touchdowns on 23 trips inside the 20-yard line. At 6-foot-4, Horton’s a nightmare to match up with, and he’s become Simpson’s go-to target near the goal line. The Vols have surrendered nine passing scores through six games, including seven in three SEC games.
This game should be high-scoring, and I’m not going to pass up this price. Throw the record on repeat as Horton catches a scoring toss for the fifth time in six games.
Prop bet #2: Ty Simpson Under 9.5 rushing yards
Speaking of Ty Simpson, he’s arguably been the best quarterback in college football this season. His 16 touchdowns against just one pick have been outstanding, and he’s got this Alabama Crimson Tide offense flying high.
He’s also starting to take a beating of late. His line has given up four sacks in each of the last two games, and the Tide rank 92nd nationally with 2.17 sacks allowed per game.
Things won’t get easier against the Vols, as their pass rush leads the nation with 4.33 sacks per outing — notchiing 15 in their three SEC contests.
Those conference opponents have lost over five yards per sack on average, which will help negate any big plays Simpson makes with his legs. Last week, he had just seven yards on 10 carries against Missouri, despite a 20-yard run.
Prop bet #3: DeSean Bishop anytime touchdown
I rarely go heavy on touchdown props, but this game’s total is sitting at 59.5 points for a reason, and DeSean Bishop’s price here is too good to ignore.
The Tennessee back has rushed for 277 yards over his past three games, posting better than eight yards a carry. While Alabama will defend him much better than Arkansas did a week ago, there have been issues with the front seven at times for the Tide.
Two of Alabama’s three SEC opponents have seen their feature back score, and last week, Missouri quarterback Beau Pribula scampered in as well.
While the Tide have only given up 12 red zone chances this season, eight have resulted in touchdowns. They’ve also allowed eight rushing scores in their five games against Power 5 opponents, with those teams averaging nearly 170 rushing yards and 5.20 yards per carry.
Alabama ranks 49th in tackling grade per PFF and in the Bottom 25% nationally in explosive runs allowed. Bishop tends to force missed tackles and averaged over 4.5 yards after contact against both Mississippi State and Arkansas.
Bishop also had five breakaway runs last week against the Hogs. I like him to get a few here, and I’ll back him to find paydirt for the fourth straight game.
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Category: General Sports
