The Tennessee Volunteers have gotten off to a strong start to the 2024 college football season as they are sitting at 5-1, including a 2-1 mark in SEC play, and ranked No. 11 in the nation. They began the year by blowing out the FCS-level Chattanooga Mocs in their season opener.
Tennessee followed that up with a 51-10 blowout over the then-No. 24 NC State Wolfpack in a neutral site meeting at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. They returned home the following week, demolishing the Kent State Golden Flashes 71-0.The Volunteers opened their conference play in Week 4, beating the then-No. 15 Oklahoma Sooners by 10 points on the road in what was their opponent’s first SEC game. After a Week 5 bye, they suffered their first loss of 2024 as they fell 19-14 to the Arkansas Razorbacks. Tennessee rebounded with a 23-17 victory over the Florida Gators.
They will face arguably their toughest challenge of their season in Week 8 as the 5-1 Alabama Crimson Tide, ranked No. 7 in the nation, visit Knoxville on Saturday.Here’s a closer look at three reasons why the Volunteers could win the matchup between the top five ranked opponents.
3 reasons why Tennessee Volunteers could beat Alabama Crimson Tide in Week 8 of CFB
#1. They have been elite offensively.
The Volunteers have been among the best offensive units in the nation this season. They have averaged 42.2 points per game and 484.5 yards per game, ranking ninth out of 134 teams in each category.Tennessee has moved the ball well in the air, averaging 238.3 passing yards per game, which ranks No. 61 in the nation. They have been elite running the ball as well, ranking No. 7 with 246.2 rushing yards per game.
#2. Their defense has been just as elite.
The Tennesee Volunteers defense has arguably been even better this season. They have allowed just 10.7 ppg and 249.8 ypg, ranking No. 4 and No. 2, respectively. Tennessee has been stingy against the pass and run too, allowing 170.2 passing ypg and 79.7 rushing ypg, ranking No. 19 and No. 5, respectively.
#3. Alabama has looked vulnerable lately
Alabama’s only loss this season came in Week 6 when it suffered a shocking 40-35 loss to the unranked Vanderbilt Commodores. While many expected a bounce-back statement win as they returned home against the unranked South Carolina Gamecocks last weekend, the Crimson Tide narrowly escaped with a 27-25 victory after trailing as late as the fourth quarter. If it doesn’t play better against the Volunteers, things could get ugly fast for Kalen DeBoer’s team.
Who do you think will come out on top when the Tennessee Volunteers host the Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday?