Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) and offensive lineman Parker Brailsford (72) celebrate against the Missouri Tigers during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri.

The No. 11 Tennessee Volunteers (5-1, 2-1 SEC) and No. 6 Alabama Crimson Tide (5-1, 3-0) meet Saturday. Kickoff from Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (ABC). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's NCAA football odds around the Tennessee vs. Alabama odds and make our expert college football picks and predictions for the best bets.

The Volunteers edged the Arkansas Razorbacks 34-31 in Week 7, failing to cover as a 10-point home favorite with the Under (68.5) hitting. Their offense continued its torrid pace, having scored at least 34 points in all 6 games this season. Tennessee’s lone loss came at home, 44-41, to the No. 7 Georgia Bulldogs Sept. 13. The Vols have been led by QB Joey Aguilar, who has 1,680 passing yards and 16 total touchdowns.

The Crimson Tide defeated the No. 16 Missouri Tigers 27-24 on the road Oct. 11, pushing as a 3-point road favorite. The Under (51.5) cashed. Since losing in Week 1 to the Florida State Seminoles 31-17 on the road, Alabama has ripped off 5 straight wins and climbed back into the top 10. The Tide have been led by QB Ty Simpson, who has 18 total touchdowns.

The Vols took down the Crimson Tide 24-17 Oct. 19, 2024, the last time these teams met. Tennessee covered as a 3.5-point underdog as the Under (58) hit.

– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

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Tennessee at Alabama odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 5:54 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Tennessee +260 (bet $100 to win $260) | Alabama -325 (bet $325 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Tennessee +8.5 (-110) | Alabama -8.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 58.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Tennessee at Alabama picks and predictions

Prediction

Alabama 34, Tennessee 30

Moneyline

PASS.

Avoid this play. Alabama (-325) makes no sense and is far too expensive here. Tennessee (+260) hasn’t shown enough over the last few weeks to suggest it can pull off the upset.

Against the spread

BET TENNESSEE +8.5 (-110).

Expect a close game here. The Crimson Tide have been solid offensively, but their strength lies on the defensive side. They have yet to score more than 30 points in an SEC game. Meanwhile, they have allowed at least 21 points in 2 of those 3 contests, each of which ended with a field-goal difference.

For the Vols, their offense is electric, and no one has slowed it down yet. The Volunteers are 0-0-1 ATS as an underdog but have not been an underdog of greater than 3 points this season. They’re averaging 48.2 points per game, which ranks atop the country and should be enough to keep the game within a touchdown margin.

Take TENNESSEE +8.5 (-110).

Over/Under

BET OVER 58.5 (-115).

Alabama has a pass-heavy attack, as does Tennessee, which should open up this game for quick possessions and big-play opportunities. The Crimson Tide rank 14th (304.5) in passing yards in the country, while the Vols (317.8) rank seventh.

Tennessee is 5-1 O/U on the year and has allowed at least 31 points in all 3 SEC games. Meanwhile, the Crimson Tide are 3-3 O/U. Given the passing strength of both sides and the ultra-fast Vols attack, expect plenty of points, and take OVER 58.5 (-115).

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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Tennessee Volunteers at Alabama Crimson Tide odds, picks and predictions

Reporting by Nathan Beighle, Sportsbook Wire / Sportsbook Wire

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