Holy smokes, this Saturday is absolutely stacked! We’re talking one of the best college football Saturdays of 2026, with four matchups featuring AP Top-15 teams. That hasn’t happened since way back in Week 10 of 2018. But for real, the game you gotta watch is No. 6 Alabama heading into Knoxville to face No. 14 Tennessee, because one historic streak might just bite the dust.
Can Bama Avoid Back-to-Back Losses After That Georgia Slugfest?
Alright, let’s get real about what’s at stake here. Nick Saban’s Alabama, the program he resurrected, has gone an insane 220 consecutive regular-season games without back-to-back losses. You kidding me? That last happened in his very first season, way back in 2007. Only Oklahoma’s 245-game run from 1999-2020 tops that. The Tide are also on a seven-game road winning streak, tied for the nation’s longest active FBS run with Indiana, and they’ve won five straight away games against ranked teams, going 4-0-1 against the spread in those. That’s bonkers.
But here’s the kicker: Bama is coming off a brutal 20-17 loss to a mega-physical Georgia last week. That was Georgia’s first win in Tuscaloosa since 2007, and their first win in an undefeated matchup against Alabama since 1942. This also marks the Tide’s third straight loss to an AP Top-5 opponent. You know they’ve gotta be feeling it physically after that one. The streak is hanging by a thread, and you know Tennessee is smelling blood in the water.
Russell’s Heisman Hopes Take a Hit, Betting Money Leans Tide
Speaking of that Georgia game, Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell’s Heisman Trophy hopes definitely took a shot. His odds lengthened to +1700 after he went just 16 of 30 for 185 yards, one touchdown, and 45 rushing yards against the Dawgs. Let’s be fair, Georgia’s defense is legendary, and it can make even the best quarterbacks look just average. But still, Russell needs a bounce-back game, big time. This isn’t just about winning, it’s about making a statement after that stumble.
The betting world seems to think Alabama still has the edge, though. About 69% of the tickets and 77% of the money are on Bama against the spread, with a decent lean on the Over 50.5. It’s a 3:30 ET kick on ABC, and the forecast calls for considerable clouds early, decreasing later, with a high of 56F and winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph. Sounds like perfect fall football weather for a serious showdown. If you’re into parlays, a Volunteers alt +11.5 and Crimson Tide alt team total Over 22.5 is priced at +170 on DraftKings.
This isn’t just another game. This is Alabama trying to keep an absolutely wild streak alive in a hostile environment, with their quarterback needing to prove something. You don’t want to miss this one.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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