Tide Rolls and Volunteers Rise: An SEC Showdown Looms

by

Oct 13, 2023

In a tumultuous college football weekend, Alabama showcased its dominant form by overthrowing Texas A&M in College Station. Meanwhile, lurking in the shadows of this SEC matchup, Tennessee, having absorbed a painful conference loss against Florida earlier in the season, gears up for an impending showdown.

This Saturday’s face-off between the Aggies and the Volunteers on the famed grounds of Neyland Stadium, colloquially referred to as “Rocky Top,” promises to be a gripping contest. The early lines have already pegged the Vols as a field-goal favorite. But what does history tell us about the two teams?

Jimbo Fisher has repeatedly proven himself as a coach, but his performance in certain scenarios raises eyebrows. Notably, his teams have struggled in high-stakes road games. A closer look at the numbers paints a dismal picture: the Aggies stand 0-4 against the spread as road underdogs of seven points or fewer. Moreover, Fisher’s record as a road underdog is a paltry 2-15 straight up, with a concerning 0-11 in their last eleven outings.

On the flip side, the Volunteers have transformed Neyland Stadium into a veritable fortress. The Vols have not suffered a defeat on their home turf since November of 2021. Their offensive prowess is evident in their staggering scorelines, racking up at least 37 points in their last 16 home games. If we venture into the realm of statistics, the Volunteers boast an impressive 11-0 straight up and 8-1 against the spread at home in the past 18 months.

Analyzing the above, it’s clear that Texas A&M seems to be retracing its footsteps from the previous seasons. After a promising start, they often find themselves faltering — a stumble here, a fumble there, and soon enough, they’re staring at the prospects of a mid-tier bowl game. As the momentum shifts, whispers questioning Jimbo Fisher’s position at Texas A&M grow louder among the fan base.

Considering the historical data and current form, one could argue that the upcoming matchup doesn’t bode well for the Aggies. Tennessee has exhibited consistency, especially at home, and seems primed for another emphatic performance.

If you’re looking for a safe bet this weekend, Tennessee looks set to capitalize on its home advantage. Lay the points, and gear up for a classic SEC showdown.

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Thumbnail photo via Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

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