Tennessee at Alabama betting odds, preview: Can Vols pull upset for second straight year?

The Tennessee Volunteers came through with a thrilling outright victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide last season, which was their first against them since 2006.

The Vols were nine-point underdogs despite being at home, and the oddsmakers have them as dogs once again with the Crimson Tide opening as favorites as they look to take back control of this longstanding SEC rivalry.

The Crimson Tide are currently 9.5-point favorites at Caesars Sportsbook and will be at home this time around, but the oddsmakers seem to be giving the Vols more respect than last season considering they’d only be a six or seven-point dog if they were at home.

The over/under total is set at 48 points, with the 2022 final score way higher than that in what ended up a 52-49 shootout, and the Volts offense has been solid again this season with senior quarterback Joe Milton.

The Crimson Tide defense has been stingy so far, but their offense has been somewhat underwhelming with sophomore quarterback Jalen Milroe despite a 6-1 record highlighted by a perfect 4-0 start to SEC play.

The Vols could give the Crimson Tide trouble again, and while they haven’t been quite as explosive on offense this season as last, they’re off to a solid start at 5-1 and 2-1 in the SEC.

The Crimson Tide rank ninth in total offense in the SEC and third in total defense, and the Vols rank fifth in the conference in total offense and fourth in total defense.

Kickoff for the Third Saturday in October rivalry is set for Saturday, Oct. 21 at 2:30 p.m. on CBS.

TENNESSEE-ALABAMA BETTING LINE

Spread: Tennessee (+9.5) at Alabama

Money line: Tennessee +278, Alabama (-355)

Total: O/U 48 points

Odds by Caesars Sportsbook as of Tuesday, Oct. 17, official odds partner of Bet.NOLA.com