Outside of Knoxville, not many people are giving Tennessee football much of a chance to take down Alabama on the road this week. The No. 6 Crimson Tide are riding high after taking down Missouri last Saturday, while the Vols won a nailbiter at home against Arkansas.
With the Tennessee defense struggling, will Ty Simpson and Co. take full advantage of things in a Bama win? The Vols fanbase sure hopes that won't be the case, as everyone has an upset in mind. Will that end up happening this weekend?
Josh Heupel gives DeSean Bishop injury update Tennessee fans were hoping for
As things stand, the ESPN Matchup Predictor has given the Vols a 27.3 percent chance to do the unthinkable in Tuscaloosa and provide Alabama with its second loss of the year. So, you're saying there's a chance here for Tennessee to come out on top?
ESPN’s Matchup Predictor gives Tennessee a 27.3% chance to beat Alabama on the road this Saturday:
— FOX Sports Knoxville (@FOXSportsKnox) October 14, 2025
The Vols have not beaten the Tide in T-Town since a 51-43 5OT win on Saturday, October 25, 2003.
Do you believe the Vols can break the road streak this week?#ForTheFans pic.twitter.com/obtEjsA03h
Tennessee football is hoping to pull off an upset at Alabama on Saturday night
While we would have loved to see that number be closer to 50 percent, there's no arguing that Alabama is in a better spot these days. However, Tennessee has what it takes to keep up with Alabama offensively, with Joey Aguilar looking like a stud and Josh Heupel saying DeSean Bishop should be able to play despite suffering an injury against Arkansas.
The main issue for Tennessee is no question how things are looking on defense. Tim Banks returned as the team's defensive coordinator this campaign, but his side of the ball has looked rough in recent weeks. Giving up 31 points to Arkansas was inexcusable, especially with Sam Pittman getting fired and Bobby Petrino taking over as the interim head coach.
Now, Banks is going to have to try to slow down Simpson, Germie Bernard, Ryan Williams and more. It's going to be no easy task, especially with Jermod McCoy not expected to play - he's still working his way back from the torn ACL he suffered during the offseason.
Colton Hood, Ty Redmond and others are going to have their hands full, while the defensive front is going to have to find a way to put some serious pressure on Simpson. If Tennessee wants to win this game, it will have to play close to perfect football. Otherwise, Alabama will make them pay, which no one in Knoxville wants to see happen.