Alabama Opens As 26.5 Favorite Over Vols; UT Hopes To Break Odd Streak

Oct 20, 2012; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Marlin Lane (15) runs with the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Alabama won by a score of 44 to 13. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

The Tennessee Volunteers have somewhat of an odd streak going against the Alabama Crimson Tide.

They’ve lost each of their last three games to Alabama by 31 points.

• 2010: Alabama 41 Tennessee 10
• 2011: Alabama 37 Tennessee 6
• 2012: Alabama 44 Tennessee 13

On Sunday, Alabama opened as a heavy favorite over the Vols.

Tennessee hasn’t beat Alabama since 2006 and they haven’t won in Tuscaloosa since 2003.

The Vols have improved tremendously over the first few weeks of the season, but they are definitely not equipped to go into Tuscaloosa and beat the number one team in the nation.

Nick Saban doesn’t overlook any team and you can be certain that Tennessee has his full attention.

Saban is famous for talking up Alabama’s opponents and you can expect more of the same this week.

Tennessee might cover the spread this week, which means they’d break at least one streak (losing by 31), just not the one that really matters.

For more on the Tennessee Volunteers and their matchup with the Alabama Crimson Tide, make sure to follow us on Twitter @AllforTennessee