#11 Tennessee vs #6 Alabama NCAAF Pick: Rivalry Rekindled in the SEC (Oct 18)

Published Oct 16, 6:02pm ET by

Gabriel Kozlow - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer

Last updated Oct 16, 6:02pm ET

Pick status
Oregon will play Michigan in the NCAAF on November 2
  • #11 Tennessee (5-1) barely escaped Arkansas with a 34-31 victory in their last game.
  • #6 Alabama (6-1) also had a close call against Missouri with a 27-24 win to make it 5 straight.
  • Their last meeting was October 19th, 2024, with Tennesse upsetting Alabama 24-17.

This rivalry is known as the "Third Saturday in October" which makes it extra special as Tennesse upset them last years, making this a revenge game for Alabama. Recent years have shown Alabama as the aggresor with a lifetime record of 60-39-8. During the Nick Saban era, Bama had 15 straight wins from 2007 to 2021.

TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS vs. ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE Overview Watch On: ABC

DATE & TIME

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2025 @ 7:30 PM ET
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
Bryant-Denny Stadium
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
GAME ODDS
BetOnline
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS -305
ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE +245

Vols Look to Make it Two Wins in a Row

The Tennessee Volunteers look to show it wasnt a fluke in last year's upset win against Crimson Tide. Their recent form in this rivalry has been on display as their coach, Josh Heupel has the task to make it 3 victories form their last 4 games.

This will be an offensive focused game as both teams bring plenty of firepower. The Vols are currently ranked 3rd in offense behind Joey Aguilar, their star QB. So far, he has thrown 14 TDs for 1,680 passing yards at 64.8% completion. They'll need their offensive game firing on all cylinders as their defense has been good but inconsistent.

Alabama Look to Reassert Supremacy

Crimson Tide, currently on a 5 game winning streak, look to show who's boss versus the Vols this week. The #6 ranked team is determined to show their worth at home and reclaim control in the rivalry. They know Tennesse is motivated in this "Third Saturday in October", so lets expect a tight game.

Alabama has been impressive on both offense as defense, ranked amongst the top 20 in both areas. Quarterback Ty Simpson has completed 70.9% of his passes so far with 16 TDs and 1 INT. Their defense will also need to be on point, especially breakout Safety, Bray Hubbard, who has 3 INTs in 6 games.

#11 Tennessee vs #6 Alabama NCAAF Pick

The game is favoring the Alabama Crimson Tide as they are -8.5 on the spread. The over/under promises to be offesnively focused with is 58.5. Bama will be extra motivated to win this game, but watch out for the Vols as they are also focused on winning this one.

Our prediction for this game is tough, however, Alabama should go ahead and win this game with their efficient offense and tough defense. It'll be a fun game, we'll see if they cab recapture those Nick Saban years of Bama beating the Vols consistently.

Pick
Alabama -8.5
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