Tennessee football: Vols, SEC, top 25 predictions for Week Three of 2019
No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide at South Carolina Gamecocks
Line: Alabama -25.5; Over/Under: 62; TV: CBS
Saturday, Sept. 14 at 3:30 p.m. E.T.; Williams-Brice Stadium; Columbia, S.C.
Nick Saban’s first SEC game in 2019 is against one of his former assistants in Will Muschamp, and it’s against a South Carolina Gamecocks program still famous for its beatdown of the Alabama Crimson Tide way back in 2010. That’s an intriguing way for Bama to start of conference play this year. Tennessee football doesn’t have a former Saban assistant who will challenge him this year.
Anyway, the Tide do have to play this game on the road, and they may be out of rhythm offensively after not scoring any points in the fourth quarter of last week’s game. Saban himself lamented the sloppy play, and it’s something he knows they won’t get away with against an elite defensive mind like Muschamp.
Meanwhile, South Caroline rebounded after a heartbreaking loss to the North Carolina Tar Heels to open the season, as Jake Bentley’s replacement helped them drop over 70 against Charleston-Southern. This team could have some newfound momentum, and playing this game at home will make them dangerous.
Prediction
Saban was annoyed after being asked about that 2010 South Carolina game earlier this week. He is also frustrated with how last week’s game ended. And, as we said this is one of his former assistants. Add in the mission the Tide are still on after last year’s upset national title loss, and they will dominate this game. Yes, they cover. And the game hits the over.