Alabama will enter Week 8 as one of the hottest teams in all of college football.
The Tide defeated the No. 14 Missouri Tigers on the road last weekend in a thrilling back and forth contest. Ty Simpson was credited with 200 yards through the air along with three touchdowns, and the quarterback has continued to play at an elite level for the majority of the season.
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Alabama will host the No. 11 Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday in Tuscaloosa as Simpson and the rest of the Crimson Tide offense will look to stay hot.
Here are three bold takes for the Tide’s clash with the Volunteers on Saturday.
Kevin Riley shines in Jam Miller’s absence
Oct 11, 2025; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Kevin Riley (28) runs the ball against the Missouri Tigers during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images
Kevin Riley is a talented redshirt freshman who has continued to make a name for himself in 2025. Riley would receive the majority of the workload in the backfield on Saturday if Miller is unable to play, and the promising freshman could quickly emerge as a difference maker throughout the matchup. The talented running back currently has the second most rushing yards on the team with 183, but Riley could be in excellent position for a big game on Saturday.
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Ty Simpson throws for 300+ yards and three touchdowns
Oct 4, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) calls for the snap during the first quarter against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images
Ty Simpson has remained as one of the best quarterbacks in college football for the majority of the season. Simpson could take full advantage of an underwhelming Tennessee secondary on Saturday, and the quarterback could continue to shine over the course of the night. Alabama may prioritize throwing the ball if Miller is sidelined as well, but Simpson could be in prime position for a big game nonetheless.
Ryan Williams explodes for 150+ yards and a touchdown
Oct 19, 2024; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Ryan Williams (2) reacts after a play against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
Ryan Williams has struggled throughout the first portion of the 2025 season. Williams is an extremely talented playmaker with explosive speed and athleticism, and he could thrive on Saturday should Simpson target him consistently. Williams currently sits behind Germie Bernard with the most receiving yards on the team, but the talented sophomore could have a major performance against Tennessee.
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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama football bold predictions vs. Tennessee Volunteers in Week 8
