On Saturday afternoon, the Alabama Crimson Tide will travel for what is arguably their toughest road test yet, facing the Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville.
The latest chapter in the storied Third Saturday in October rivalry, Alabama has dropped their last two games played in Neyland Stadium, and will face yet another significant challenge Saturday afternoon. Tennessee sits at 5-1 overall (2-1 SEC), and are currently ranked as the nation's No. 14 team in the latest US LBM Coaches Poll.
A matchup that is loaded with potential storylines, following is a look at three predictions for Saturday's showdown in Knoxville between the Crimson Tide and Volunteers.
Alabama defense forces three Tennessee turnovers
According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, Alabama's defense will be facing George MacIntyre at quarterback for Tennessee on Saturday afternoon, a sophomore who will be making only his second-career start. MacIntyre, who had two picks a week ago against Arkansas, will be facing an Alabama defense that leads the SEC with nine interceptions this year, and I'll predict to add at-least two to that total Saturday afternoon, if not more.
Noah Rogers has breakout performance
Alabama wide receiver Noah Rogers has played in three games since returning from an offseason injury, but has yet to fully breakout for the Crimson Tide having made only three catches for 55 yards. With the Crimson Tide's leading receiver, Ryan Coleman-Williams, set to miss Saturday's game, Alabama will certainly need someone at the position to step up, and I'll say Rogers does exactly that with his best performance since arriving in Tuscaloosa.
Alabama offensive line bounces back with big showing
Alabama's offensive line, which allowed four sacks a week ago against Georgia, faces a significant test in Knoxville this Saturday in a Tennessee defense that is currently leading the nation with 25 sacks on the season. Despite the unit facing an unknown surrounding the status of starting center Racin Delgatty, I'll still predict a bounce back from the Crimson Tide's offensive front in not only pass protection, but also helping pave the way for a big showing on the Alabama run game.
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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: 3 predictions for Alabama vs. Tennessee in Top 15 rivalry showdown