It's the Third Saturday in October, on the third Saturday in October. No. 6 Alabama (5-1, 3-1 SEC) visits No. 14 Tennessee (5-1, 2-1) at 3:30 on ABC, with big stakes in the SEC race.
Alabama insider Mary-Kathryn "MK" Strickland quotes legendary coaching maxims and says the Tide have been stewing since last week's 20-17 loss to Georgia. She points to Keelon Russell's 1,599 yards and a team ESPN ranks in the top five on both offense and defense. Tennessee insider Earl "Rocky Top" Haskew starts every stat with a banjo sting. He confirms an interesting quarterback twist: Faizon Brandon is off the injury report, but George MacIntyre will make his second career start. MacIntyre threw for 247 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in a win at Arkansas.
DeSean Bishop (678 yards, eight touchdowns) gives the Vols a steady ground game. Alabama is missing receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams and starting lineman Racin Delgatty, among others. Tennessee is without tight end Ethan Davis, receiver Joakim Dodson and lineman Wendell Moe Jr. With Neyland Stadium full, every possession will matter.
Our call: Alabama 28, Tennessee 20.