3 reasons why Alabama Crimson Tide could beat Tennessee in CFB Week 8
The Alabama Crimson Tide have gotten off to a strong start to the 2024 college football season as they are sitting at 5-1, including a 2-1 mark in SEC play, and ranked No. 7 in the nation. They began the year by blowing out the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers in their season opener. Alabama followed that up with a 42-16 victory over the South Florida Bulls.
They went on the road for the first time in Week 3 as they easily beat the Wisconsin Badgers 42-10 in their visit to Madison since 1928. The Crimson Tide had a bye in Week 4 before beating the then-No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs 41-34 in an early Game of the Year contender.
After moving to the top of the rankings following the win, they suffered a deflating 40-35 road loss to the unranked Vanderbilt Commodores in Week 6. Alabama returned home against the South Carolina Gamecocks last weekend and narrowly escaped with a 27-25 victory.
Alabama will face arguably its toughest road matchup of the season so far in Week 8 when it visits Knoxville on Saturday to take on the 5-1 Tennessee Volunteers, who are ranked No. 11 in the nation.
Here's a closer look at three reasons why the Crimson Tide could win the matchup between the ranked opponents.
3 reasons why Alabama Crimson Tide could beat Tennessee in CFB Week 8
#1. They have been elite offensively
Alabama has been among the best offensive units in the nation this season. It has averaged 41.7 points per game and 442.3 yards per game, ranking No. 10 and No. 35 out of 134 teams, respectively.
Alabama has also been able to move the ball through the air and on the ground, averaging 263.2 passing ypg and 179.2 rushing ypg, ranking No. 38 and No. 51, respectively.
#2. Their defense has been great at forcing turnovers
The Crimson Tide's defense has been good, allowing just 20.8 ppg, which ranks tied for No. 41 in the nation. They have ranked No. 62 in passing yards allowed per game, No. 54 in rushing yards allowed per game and No. 55 in total yards allowed per game. The defensive unit has been elite too at forcing turnovers.
Alabama has forced 12 turnovers through six games, ranking tied for No. 12 in the nation with six intercepted passes and six recovered fumbles.
#3. Tennessee has looked vulnerable lately
The Tennessee Volunteers' only loss this season came in Week 6 when they suffered a shocking 19-14 loss to the unranked Arkansas Razorbacks. While many expected a statement win as they returned home against the unranked Florida Gators last weekend, Tennessee could only manage a 23-17 overtime victory.
After three straight non-conference blowout wins to open the season, Tennessee came back to Earth in SEC play. If it struggles against Alabama, things could get out of hand in a hurry for Josh Heupel's team.
Who do you think will come out on top when the Tennessee Volunteers host the Alabama Crimson Tide? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.