Odds, CFB picks, Bryce Young injury update

Our college football betting expert offers his best betting picks and predictions for the SEC matchup between Alabama vs. Tennessee scheduled for Saturday at Knoxville, Tennessee., at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.

No. 3 Alabama faces an extreme test with the visit to No. 6 Tennessee, which will be looking to post a signature win that elevates the program back into the national elite.

Alabama vs. Tennessee predictions

• Tennessee to cover +7 spread @ -119 via Caesars Sportsbook
• Over 65 total points @ -117 via Caesars Sportsbook
• Jahmyr Gibbs over 109.5 rushing yards @ -117 via Caesars Sportsbook

Alabama vs. Tennessee picks and analysis

The Crimson Tide are hoping quarterback Bryce Young’s throwing shoulder will heal enough for him to play, while the Volunteers’ upset chances will increase substantially if he misses a second straight game.

Tennessee to cover +7

Alabama (6-0, 3-0 SEC) is a different team without Young as redshirt freshman Jalen Milroe isn’t a sufficient passing threat. Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban said Milroe played with a lot of anxiety in last week’s 24-20 win over Texas A&M, so it’s hard to see him calmer this week if he plays.

Young, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, has passed for 1,202 yards, 14 touchdowns and three interceptions. His presence would bring confidence to the Alabama offense as well as big-time production.

The Crimson Tide have gone run-heavy without Young by gaining 317 against Arkansas on Oct. 1 and 293 versus Texas A&M. That would again be the plan against Tennessee if Young is unable to play.

The Volunteers would benefit greatly if Young can’t play as his absence would pump up their upset chances.

Our Pick: Tennessee to cover +7

Over 65 points

Tennessee (5-0, 2-0) has already beaten three ranked teams this season and is 5-0 for the first time since 2016. The Volunteers have 500-plus yards of offense in four of their five games.

Quarterback Hendon Hooker has gone a program-record 239 passes without an interception and has completed 70 percent of his passes for 1,432 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. He has been a difference-maker for a club that ranks second nationally in scoring offense (46.8 points per game) and leads the nation in total offense (547.8 yards per outing).

Alabama’s defense ranks sixth in both scoring defense (12.5) and total defense (250.8) as it looks to slow down the Vols. Tennessee also had a big game on the ground last weekend with a season-best 263 rushing yards in a 40-13 trouncing of host LSU.

The Crimson Tide are fifth in scoring offense (44.3) and seventh in total offense (503.7) while Tennessee is a big shaky with a ranking of 87th in total defense (396.6) despite being 22nd in scoring defense (17.8).

Our Pick: Over 65 points

Betting on College Football?

Jahmyr Gibbs over 109.5 rushing yards

Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs is averaging 8.3 yards per carry while rushing for 532 yards and two touchdowns. He has been especially potent the last two games with 360 yards on 39 carries.

If Young misses the game, you can expect Gibbs to get another heavy workload with part of the goal being to keep the Tennessee offense off the field. The cautionary part is he had 36 or fewer yards in three straight games before breaking out pick.

But taking the pressure off Milroe will be crucial for the Crimson Tide so we see Gibbs continuing his recent production.

Our Pick: Jahmyr Gibbs over 109.5 rushing yards

Alabama vs. Tennessee odds

Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook. Correct at time of publishing and subject to change.

Total Points 65.5	Team	Spread	Moneyline
Over -117	Alabama	(-7)  -115	-292
Under -117	Tennessee	(+7) -119	+235