Sports betting analyst is confident in No. 6 Alabama ahead of showdown with No. 11 Tennessee

The sixth-ranked Crimson Tide (5-1, 3-0 SEC) have won five straight after losing their opener to a Florida State team that has dropped its last three games, while the 11th-ranked Volunteers (5-1, 2-1 SEC) have allowed 30 or more points in their last two. 

These teams enter Week 8 finding different ways to win games so far. Although Alabama has been explosive on offense, a defense that allows the third-fewest passing yards per game (135.7) has made it difficult for opposing teams to find an answer.

On the other side, Tennessee has been one of the worst defenses in the country. The Volunteers are last in the SEC and 120th nationally with 277 passing yards allowed per game, another reason Coughlin likes the Crimson Tide this weekend.

Simpson, the junior QB in his first season as Alabama's starter, has thrived in late-game situations, particularly in the 27-24 win over then-No. 14 Missouri when he converted a pair of fourth downs on a late TD drive.

As good as Alabama's defense has been, though, Tennessee's offense should not be overlooked. The Volunteers score the third-most points in college football (43.4), led by QB Joey Aguilar's 1,680 pass yards and a stout run game that has combined for 17 TDs this season.

When these two rivals face each other, it usually goes down to the wire. It would not be surprising to see that happen once again on Saturday, but it is clear who Coughlin is the most confident in this time around as the Crimson Tide and Volunteers look to improve their positioning in a crowded SEC race.