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Tennessee football: Five best prop bets for Vols vs. Alabama

By Caleb Calhoun

Smokey during Tennessee’s football game against Akron in Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022.Kns Ut Akron Football Bp
Smokey during Tennessee’s football game against Akron in Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022.Kns Ut Akron Football Bp /
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Oct 8, 2022; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jabari Small (2) reacts to scoring a touchdown against the LSU Tigers during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2022; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jabari Small (2) reacts to scoring a touchdown against the LSU Tigers during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Jabari Small under 61.5 rushing yards (-114 FanDuel)

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change

This is a trendy pick because Jabari Small has had over 200 yards in the past two games combined, but the Florida Gators and LSU Tigers aren’t Alabama. By far the Tide’s biggest strength is their run defense. Although the Vols average over 200 total yards a game, they don’t average five yards a carry as a team. Josh Heupel just utilizes the run game a lot.

In this matchup, Tennessee football would probably be better off with its all-purpose running backs, in which case Jaylen Wright will likely get more carries. Small is still the better overall back, and he’ll be used on the goal-line because of his abilities as a power back.

Also, there’s still a chance Small has over 100 total yards, as he has proven he can be extremely effective in the passing game. However, in terms of running the ball, Small is going to take a step back this week. He won’t have over 60 yards rushing at the end of the game.

If the Vols are going to win the rushing battle, it’ll be because of a combination of Small, Wright and Hendon Hooker himself. This is another one of those games, particularly with Alabama’s pass rush, where Hooker’s legs will be crucial, and the by-committee approach will hold Small back.

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