Alabama and Tennessee’s one-loss records are nothing to scoff at, but the season likely hasn’t gone as expected for fans of both teams. Alabama continues to work through growing pains after its Texas loss and shaky USF win, while Tennessee has become the last thing anyone expected: a defense-first team.
But at the same time, this year’s edition of Alabama vs. Tennessee comes with ample big-picture implications. Despite its issues, Alabama and coach Nick Saban are in pole position to win the SEC West, but Tennessee is more than equipped to play spoiler for another year. Here’s what you need to know about this year’s edition of Alabama vs. Tennessee.
What time is the Alabama vs. Tennessee game?
Alabama and Tennessee are entering this week’s game on similar trajectories. Last week, Alabama beat Arkansas in a narrow 24–21 win that saw them nearly go scoreless in the second half. As for the Vols and head coach Josh Heupel, they eked out a similarly tight 20–13 win over Texas A&M that was led by their strong defense.
This week’s Alabama–Tennessee game will be at 3:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. CT). It’ll air on CBS and be a home game for the Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
#17 Tennessee at #11 Alabama
vs. 
Date: Saturday, Oct. 21
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Channel: CBS
Location: Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Odds: Alabama by 8.5 points
How to watch Alabama vs. Tennessee
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Want to watch Alabama vs. Tennessee for free on TV? You’ll want an over-the-air (OTA) antenna like the Mohu Leaf 50. It’ll let you watch local channels like CBS for free on your TV, and Alabama vs. Tennessee airs on CBS.
Prefer to stream Alabama vs Tennessee for free? Services like Fubo have free trials, and you can install them on devices like browsers, streaming sticks, and smart TVs. You can also watch SEC games for free with Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, and the streaming service offers a 7-day free trial for new customers. Check out our full Streaming Free Trials guide to learn more.
Alabama vs. Tennessee preview
Tennessee won last year’s Alabama matchup in a 52–49 barnburner headlined by future NFL starters on both sides of the ball. And if that wasn’t enough, the Vols also broke a 15-year losing streak against Alabama in the process.
This year’s matchup will likely look different, but it won’t be any less impactful. Here are our three biggest questions ahead of Tennessee vs. Alabama.
Alabama vs. Tennessee by the stats
| Stat | Alabama | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| ESPN FPI | 7th | 16th |
| Passing yards per game | 219.4 ypg (83th) | 212.5 ypg (89th) |
| Rushing yards per game | 148.4 ypg (73th) | 230.33 (6th) |
| Points scored per game | 30.1 ppg (58th) | 32.5 ppg (41st) |
| Defensive yards allowed per game | 291.6 ypg (15th) | 303 ypg (17th) |
Can Alabama keep Jalen Milroe upright?
Between players like Alabama linebackers Chris Braswell and Dallas Turner along with Vols linemen James Pearce Jr., and Tyler Baron, Alabama–Tennessee will feature its share of high-end pass rush talent. Tennessee and the Crimson Tide are ranked 4th and 5th nationally in sacks per game.
But on the other side of the ball, the split between both teams looks far different. The Vols rank 29th in sacks allowed (nine sacks over six games), while Alabama sits at 130th nationally (32 sacks over seven games). Quarterback Jalen Milroe’s performance in tough games could generously be described as streaky, and Alabama will be hard-pressed to snag a win if he’s constantly on the ground.
#Arkansas Landon Jackson with his 2nd sack of the day on Jalen Milroe pic.twitter.com/waiczP9v8w
— Tanner Phifer (@TannerPhiferNFL) October 14, 2023
Can Tennessee pass the ball?
We love quarterback Joe Milton’s viral deep ball videos as much as the next person. But Tennessee’s passing game has soundly played third fiddle to its running backs and defense.
Milton ranks 12th in passing yards in the SEC, and he put up a dismal stat line against Texas A&M last week (11 of 22 for 100 yards, one touchdown, and one interception). Tennessee’s offense relies on its stellar run game, but Alabama’s rush defense will make them work for every yard. If Milton and wideout Squirrel White can keep Alabama’s secondary on their toes, the Vols could potentially pull the upset.
How to watch Alabama vs. Tennessee FAQ
When does Alabama play Tennessee?
Alabama vs. Tennessee will be on Saturday, October 21. It’ll air at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.
What time does Tennessee play today?
Tennessee plays Alabama on Saturday, Oct. 21 at 2:30 p.m. ET on CBS.
When was the last time Tennessee beat Alabama?
Tennessee’s most recent win over Alabama was in 2022. Led by quarterback Hendon Hooker and wideout Jalin Hyatt, the Vols outlasted Alabama in a 52–49 win.
What time is Tennessee vs. Alabama?
Tennessee vs. Alabama will be at 3:30 p.m. ET.
How can I watch Alabama vs. Tennessee for free?
You can watch Alabama vs. Tennessee for free with an OTA antenna. If you’d rather stream Alabama vs. Tennessee, we recommend Fubo or Paramount+ with SHOWTIME. Both services will let you watch SEC games, and they offer free trials for new customers.
What channel is Alabama vs. Tennessee?
Alabama vs. Tennessee will air on CBS.
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Eric Chiu is a CableTV.com senior writer who covers internet tech, entertainment, and sports news. He’s written about consumer technology for nearly a decade for outlets including CNN Underscored, Wirecutter, Newsweek Media Group and TopTenReviews/Future. In his free time, he enjoys playing any instrument he can find, rooting for the Michigan Wolverines, and hunting for the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants.
