Skip to main content
All for Tennessee
Fansided

3 Tennessee players who will help the big underdog Vols stun No. 6 Alabama at Neyland

All eyes on these three standouts to take down the Crimson Tide
ByBraulio Perez
Share on FacebookShare on XShare on Reddit
Google Discover
Tennessee running back DeSean Bishop (18) fights his way into the end zone for the game-sealing touchdown during a college football game between Tennessee and Arkansas at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Ark., on Oct. 10, 2026.
Tennessee running back DeSean Bishop (18) fights his way into the end zone for the game-sealing touchdown during a college football game between Tennessee and Arkansas at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Ark., on Oct. 10, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The wait is almost over. Come Saturday afternoon, No. 14 Tennessee is ready to shock the rest of the country by taking down No. 6 Alabama, which of course won't be easy. In order for that to happen, several guys will need to look like superheroes, as the Crimson Tide are without question are one of the top teams in the country.

So, who's going to have to deliver for head man Josh Heupel in order for the Vols to make the current 7.5-point spread in favor of the Tide look foolish? We've got three playmakers in mind, with quarterback George MacIntyre of course on the list.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

George MacIntyre has to be a game-changer for the Vols to take down Alabama

Yes, the ground game (more on that below) is going to be a huge focus on offense for Heupel, but we need to see MacIntyre put on a show when his number is called to let the ball fly. We saw bits and pieces of that in the win over Arkansas, but there were still some concerns.

The two interceptions of course were rough to see, but the 247 passing yards and the touchdown were huge positives. Against the Crimson Tide, MacIntyre has to take care of the football and hit his open receivers when the windows are open for him to do so.

DeSean Bishop could end up being the hero for Tennessee if it ruins Kalen DeBoer's day

While there's going to be a ton of focus on G-Mac, the one person who could eventually make or break things for the Vols might end up being DeSean Bishop. Bishop has to play at an All-SEC level if the Vols want to be in a position to beat the Tide on Saturday, period.

We've seen him do that several times this season, highlighted by his 220-yard, three-touchdown performance against Auburn. In last week's victory over Arkansas, Bishop took over in the second half, finishing with 138 yards and a score.

Give him the rock early and often to push the Alabama defensive front. If Bishop can stay hot and keep things that way, the Vols will have more than just a chance to pull off some magic.

Xavier Gilliam has looked like one of the best DTs in the country

There arguably hasn't been a better newcomer for Tennessee this campaign over Xavier Gilliam. The stud defensive lineman has been downright dominant in the trenches, tied for the team lead with his five sacks. Gilliam was a force once again vs. the Hogs in Week 6, adding another sack and a forced fumble.

With Alabama center Racin Delgatty doubtful to play due to a lower-leg injury, the interior for Bama's line will have a bit of a shakeup that Gilliam will need to take advantage of. If he can, then life could be made a bit more difficult for quarterback Keelon Russell.

Guys like Arion Carter and Dejuan Lane will of course need to make noise on defense too, but Gilliam taking over would be huge for the Vols if he can have another head-turning performance.

Add us as a preferred source on Google
Home/Vols Football