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Week 8 SEC Picks and College Football Best Bets

By Evan Ertel

Oct 7, 2023; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Mike Wright (14) runs the ball against the Western Michigan Broncos during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2023; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Mike Wright (14) runs the ball against the Western Michigan Broncos during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /
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Joe Milton III #7 of the Tennessee Volunteers
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 14: Joe Milton III #7 of the Tennessee Volunteers waits for the snap against the Texas A&M Aggies in the fourth quarter at Neyland Stadium on October 14, 2023 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images) /

No. 17 Tennessee @ No. 11 Alabama (-9.5) (O/U 48.5)

Evan: I will admit that this spread is a bit steeper than I was expecting to find for this game, but if there’s one thing I know in this world, it’s that Alabama beats Tennessee on the football field, it’s simply the natural order of things. Am I going to learn my lesson from last week about picking touchdown-plus favorites? No, I am not. Alabama -9.5

Justin: How often does Nick Saban lose to a team two years in a row? I know he lost to Ole Miss in ’14 and ’15, but outside that, it’s pretty rare. I’m tempted to say Tennessee at least covers, but I think Bama wants to make a statement and this might be the game to do it. Alabama: -9.5

Ethan: Alabama isn’t perfect and there are a number of areas that the Crimson Tide seems to be vulnerable in but this Vols team doesn’t have quite the offense that it did a season ago. Tennessee might give Alabama a scare, but Florida put together the perfect blueprint for beating this Tennessee team. Force Joe Milton to throw on the run and he becomes pretty inaccurate. Tennessee covers, but Alabama wins this one. Tennessee +9.5

Andrew: I think this is an ugly game. You’ve got two teams with outstanding defenses and incredibly inconsistent, though occasionally explosive, offenses. Tennessee’s defensive front should find lots of success against Bama’s OL, but I doubt Tennessee will be able to run the ball on the Tide, which they’ve had to do to be successful this year. I think Bama is better overall, but I think this game is within a score. Tennessee +9.5

Ryan: I think Tennessee has the defense to keep this game close against Alabama’s inconsistent offense. Tennessee can score against Alabama with a good game plan and think Heupel can put together one. Alabama wins but it will be within two scores. Tennessee +9.5

John: Expect Bama to avenge their loss from last year. Jalen Milroe is starting to get his feet under him (maybe?) and Nick Saban probably hates (HATES) that he lost last year. Bama by a million. Or -9.5 or whatever. Alabama -9.5

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