Tennessee Vols: Final Pre-Season Game By Game Predictions

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KNOXVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 15: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide shakes hands with head coach Butch Jones of the Tennessee Volunteers after their 49-10 win at Neyland Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Tennessee @ Alabama

October 21 — TBA

Two years ago, the Vols went to Tuscaloosa and held a lead over Alabama into the fourth quarter.

Last season’s matchup at Neyland, however, wasn’t nearly as close. Alabama took control early and never looked back, eventually beating Tennessee 49-10. It was Bama’s largest margin of victory in the rivalry since beating the Vols 51-0 in 1906.

I’ve said on multiple occasions that Tennessee won’t truly be “back” until their annual matchup against Alabama is a “toss up game” on a yearly basis. Every other game on the Vols’ schedule in 2017 could be considered a toss up game — except for this one.

Tennessee is quite there yet. But to be fair, Bama is a machine right now.

The Crimson Tide will make it 11 in a row against the Volunteers in 2017.

Prediction: Alabama wins

Record: 4-3

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