Tennessee and Alabama are set to meet in Neyland Stadium this Saturday.

Before the matchup, the VolReport staff gives their picks for how things will shape up on the field.

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Ryan: 21-17 Alabama

I absolutely think Tennessee can win this game. However, until I see the Vols' offense get out of the current funk they've found themselves in, it's really hard for me to put any confidence behind that happening.

I expect another sluggish night for both offenses with Tennessee's defense doing a solid job of holding Alabama's attack in check. The Vols should be in position down the stretch with another nail biter to close things out. I'll have to see a game winning drive from this offense to believe it at this point, though.

Noah: 24-17 Vols

What a difference two years makes. When Tennessee famously snapped its 15-game losing skid to Alabama, the Vols outscored the Crimson Tide in an offensive showcase where neither team could manage a stop, including on the final drive that ended in Chase McGrath's go-ahead field goal.

Expect a lower scoring game where points will be precious and defensive stops will make the difference. Tennessee has the edge defensively and the offense will need to make just enough plays to beat Alabama for the second time in three years.

Dale: 24-21 Vols

Both Alabama and Tennessee have hit offensive struggles, however, both teams have continued to find ways to win despite each having one loss. The Vols fell on the road to Arkansas, as Alabama suffered a defeat to Vanderbilt in Nashville but the pair both rebounded with narrow wins a week later. Tennessee has a slightly better defense and the game is in Neyland, so, I give the Vols the edge.

Ryan: Tennessee forces multiple turnovers

The Vols' defense has been stout and I don't expect that to change. This may be the biggest test for the unit this season up to this point, but I still think they'll be up for the challenge. Part of the successful night on defense will be forcing turnovers. Whether its picking off Jalen Milroe or forcing fumbles, I think Tennessee will come up with at least two on Saturday.

Noah: Tennessee doesn't give up a rushing touchdown

It may not seem like that bold of prediction on the surface given the fact that both Tennessee's red zone defense and rushing defense rank top six nationally and Florida was unable to punch in a touchdown despite being on the doorstep. But stopping 6-foot-2, 225-pound Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe should the Crimson Tide get that close to the end zone is a whole different challenge.

I think the Vols' defensive line is up to it, especially with the way Omarr Norman-Lott has been playing on the interior James Pearce Jr. off the edge.Alabama's biggest offensive threat is wide receiver Ryan Williams, who is too good not to make plays, even against Tennessee's strong secondary. So the Crimson Tide will get a few touchdowns, but not on the ground.

Dale: Nico Iamaleava throws for over 250 yards.

Looking back at last week's film vs Florida, Nico Iamaleava was a hair off of a few throws from having a major night. I think Iamaleava can put it all together this week against a struggling Tide secondary and reach the 250-yard mark.

Ryan: Lance Heard

He's been banged up, but the games he has been active, former five-star tackle Lance Heard has done a poor job of protecting Nico Iamaleava's blind side. With inconsistencies at tackle, the play of the offense has suffered as a result. If the entire offensive line, but Heard specifically, can put together a solid game without being overly penalized, I think it'll do wonders for the offense and could lead to a win.

Noah: Dylan Sampson

The Tennessee running back will continue to be an X factor for the Vols' offense until he isn't. Though the defense has been key this season, it is undeniable that Dylan Sampson is one of the biggest reasons that Tennessee doesn't have two losses. He gave them a chance to beat Arkansas on the road a few weeks ago and took over the offense against Florida. I expect him to do the same vs. Alabama. The Crimson Tide rank 54th nationally in stopping the run, allowing nearly 130 yards per game.

Dale: Tennessee's offensive line

The offensive line has to be physical and show dominance early. If they can keep Nico Iamaleava off the ground along while paving running lanes for Dylan Sampson and company, the Vols have a good shot to get the home victory.

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