Tennessee vs Alabama Best Bets, Predictions & Picks for Today, October 18

With the Third Saturday in October underway, it can only mean one thing: the Alabama Crimson Tide and Tennessee Volunteers are set to renew their storied rivalry once again.

Before the action kicks off in Tuscaloosa, we get you squared away with our best bets and Tennessee vs. Alabama predictions for Saturday, October 18.

Tennessee vs Alabama Week 8 predictions

• Alabama -8.5 (-105 at FanDuel)
• Under 59.5 (-115 at FanDuel)
• Simpson u9.5 rushing yards (-114 at FanDuel)
• Bishop anytime TD (+135 at FanDuel)

Tennessee vs Alabama best bets

-105 at FanDuel)

The difference can be seen in the spread. But I'm not even sure it's properly showing the edge Alabama has in this matchup. Ty Simpson won't be stopped, and with Jam Miller expected back, the Crimson Tide will have a balanced attack. I see the Tide winning this one at home by double digits.

-115 at FanDuel)

I think this is a bit of an elevated total due to the points Tennessee has put up against lesser opponents. I'm not sure that will be the case against Alabama and would lean to the Under. 

Tennessee vs Alabama TD pick

+135 at FanDuel)

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.

Tennessee vs Alabama prop pick

-114 at FanDuel)

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. 

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