Tennessee opens as big underdog against Alabama

How quickly things can change.

Tennessee entered the season with expectations for the first time in a long time as fans hoped that this would be the year that the Vols could start challenging Georgia and Alabama. They did that for a half against the Bulldogs, then were blown out 34-7 by Kentucky.

The Volunteers are now 2-2, and suddenly Jeremy Pruitt has to be feeling some pressure. The quarterback position is a complete dumpster fire right now, and it doesn’t appear that it will be getting better anytime soon.

In a week where Tennessee could badly use a game against Chattanooga or Tennessee-Martin, they’ll welcome Alabama to town. Welcome to an all-SEC 2020 schedule, folks.

Alabama, fresh off a dominant win over Georgia, will be bringing their high-powered offense to town at the low point of Tennessee’s season. How on earth will the Vols keep pace? Odds are, they probably won’t.

Vegas is betting that it won’t be all that close. They’ve installed the Crimson Tide as 20 point favorites heading into this week, a number that likely will get bigger as the week goes on. The total is set at 61.5.

Tennessee has some soul searching to do this week, and a ton to figure out on the offensive side of the ball. Against Georgia, the Vols’ issues went deeper than just the quarterback position. The offensive line fell flat, while the middle of the defense was constantly stressed. The secondary is going to have their hands full with Jaylen Waddle, DeVonta Smith and Mac Jones on Saturday afternoon.

More on that later in the week.

Strap in, because things are likely going to get a little more bumpy in Knoxville before they get better.