Tennessee football vs. Alabama: Score prediction, scouting report for Vols vs. Crimson Tide

Tennessee football is rolling into the Third Saturday in October.

The No. 8 Vols (5-0, 2-0 SEC) host No. 1 Alabama (6-0, 3-0) on Saturday (3:30 p.m. ET, CBS).

Here's a scouting report and score prediction for the matchup:

Will Bryce Young be healthy enough to be Alabama's quarterback?

Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, injured his throwing shoulder against Arkansas on Oct. 1. He did not play in Alabama's 24-20 win against Texas A&M.

Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban said Wednesday that Young is making progress.

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Redshirt freshman Jalen Milroe started against the Aggies. He completed 12 of 19 passes for 111 yards and three touchdowns. He ran for 83 yards on 17 attempts.

"Bryce has played at an elite level for a long time," Tennessee coach Josh Heupel said. "The X-factor for him is his ability to move and extend and make plays outside of the pocket and inside of the pocket. He does a good job of finding the soft spot in the pocket. When he escapes, he’s a thrower first and finds guys if you don’t match them out and you’re in zone coverage. Then has the ability to tuck it and make big plays, too. He’s got the ability to put and apply pressure to you in all ways.”

Is Tennessee's rushing defense for real?

With Jahmyr Gibbs leading the charge, Alabama is the best rushing team among Power 5 programs. The Crimson Tide average 257.5 yards rushing per game.

Tennessee boasts the No. 11 rushing defense nationally with 89.2 yards allowed per game. But UT also has the second-worst passing defense among Power 5 teams, allowing 307.4 passing yards per game.

The Vols likely will find out Saturday if they are good against the run or if teams are simply willing to pass freely against them.

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Teams love to go for it on fourth down against Tennessee

Florida and LSU, Tennessee's past two opponents, were often willing to go for it on fourth down against the Vols. The Gators went for it six times, while the Tigers went for it three times in the first half.

Teams have attempted 16 fourth-down conversions against UT with a 50% success rate. Only six teams have had opponents try more fourth downs.

Alabama has attempted eight fourth downs in six games. It has converted three.

UT allowed Florida to convert five of its attempts, while Pittsburgh converted three in Week 2.

Jahmyr Gibbs is a menace

Gibbs transferred from Georgia Tech to Alabama in the offseason and has been a terror in the backfield. Gibbs is averaging 8.31 yards per carry, the most by a Power 5 running back. He has 532 yards on 64 carries.

“I think he’s got really good pace, vision," Heupel said. "Delivers blocks really well. Slow to go early. Once he hits the hole, he’s got an explosive nature about him. He’s got the ability to make you miss in open space, can take it the distance. He’s a really good back.”

Gibbs, whom Tennessee recruited out of the transfer portal, has three rushing touchdowns and thee receiving touchdowns.

Unbeaten matchup for a big one at Neyland

Tennessee and Alabama are unbeaten in the matchup for the first time since 1989. It also marks the first time that UT has played a top-10 matchup at Neyland Stadium since 1998, when it beat Florida 20-17 in overtime.

"Obviously, this is why you come to Tennessee and want to be in this league," Heupel said.

Score prediction

Alabama 38, Tennessee 34: Tennessee is better equipped to match up with an elite team for the first time in years. But if Young plays, Alabama is set to win its 16th straight. Here's betting he does and that win follows.

Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow him on Twitter @ByMikeWilson. If you enjoy Mike’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee football vs. Alabama: Score prediction, scouting report