Tennessee football: Game by game predictions for Vols 2018 season

Game 7: Alabama Crimson Tide at Tennessee Volunteers

Saturday, Oct. 20; Neyland Stadium; Knoxville, Tenn.

Caleb Calhoun

A close loss to the Georgia Bulldogs and a blowout loss to the Auburn Tigers coming off a bye week is the last thing the Vols need heading into Neyland to face the Alabama Crimson Tide the next week. But it’s what they got. Jeremy Pruitt has no chance against his former boss this year.

I don’t know when Saban will finally lose to one of his assistants, but it won’t be to Pruitt in 2018. The Tide will jump out to an early lead put things away early. However, similar to 2014, the Vols will build some confidence with a comeback in the second half. They’ll still lose, but it’ll look better on paper than it should have.

Winner: Alabama (3-4, 1-3)

Billy Williford

The Third Saturday in October wraps up the toughest three-game span in the entire nation. At the current moment, that is playing three top ten ranked teams in a row.

The Vols rushing defense was horrid last year and should be much improved. However, it won’t be enough to stop Damien and Najee Harris.

Winner: Alabama (3-4, 1-3)

Garrett Sanders

Nick Saban has never lost to his former assistants, even when Kirby Smart had him at 2nd Down and 26 to go in overtime. Jeremy Pruitt and the players will be fired up for this game, so I expect Tennessee football to come swinging and be ahead for the first part of the game. It will get Neyland Stadium rocking if they do.

However, we’ve seen this scenario happen time after time with Saban. He will find a way to re-adjust and outcoach his opponent. The Vols will be competitive, but I think this game will be an example of what is about to happen later in the season. Just ask the 2014 Vols.

Winner: Alabama (2-5, 0-4)