Week 8 Preview
Alabama vs Tennessee, Kentucky vs Texas, Michigan vs Washington
Nick McMillan | October 16, 2025
Image from Alabama Athletics
No. 11 Tennessee @ No. 6 Alabama
The “Third Saturday in October” rivalry returns, with Alabama looking to avenge last year’s loss in Knoxville.
Alabama Offense
Alabama’s offense (431 ypg) is led by Ty Simpson, who averages 304.5 passing yards per game and ranks 5th nationally with 16 passing touchdowns against only one interception. The Tide relies on quick reads, precision, and selective vertical shots, rather than risky deep passes. Alabama also ranks 7th nationally in time of possession, allowing them to control the pace and wear down opponents. Key playmakers include Germie Bernard (tied 16th nationally with 5 receiving touchdowns) and Ryan Williams, seeking a rebound after going catchless on 31 snaps against Missouri.Alabama Defense
Alabama’s secondary allows just 135.7 passing yards per game (3rd-best nationally), but multiple linebacker injuries have thinned the front seven. The Tide will aim to force Tennessee into third-and-long situations and limit explosive runs to maintain control.Tennessee Offense
Tennessee averages 527.8 ypg (317.8 passing, 210 rushing), one of the most balanced and explosive offenses in the nation. DeSean Bishop averages 7.6 yards per carry, while the Vols push tempo and attack vertically to exploit Alabama’s shorthanded linebackers. Chris Brazzell II is a key receiving threat, tied 2nd nationally in touchdowns and 14th in receiving yards, and will be heavily targeted to sustain drives.Tennessee Defense
Tennessee has forced seven fumbles this season, highlighting an aggressive, turnover-focused approach. Their goal is to pressure Simpson and create mistakes to counter Alabama’s efficient passing game. Short fields and chaos up front will be key to keeping the game competitive.Injury Report
Alabama: Jam Miller (RB, concussion – questionable), Jaylen Mbakwe (WR, hand – questionable), Qua Russaw (LB, foot – out), Cayden Jones (LB, ankle – out), Derek Meadows (WR, concussion – out), Jah-Marien Latham (LB, neck – out for season), Jeremiah Beaman (DL, knee – out for season)Tennessee: DeSean Bishop (RB – probable), Ethan Davis (TE – questionable), Edwin Spillman (LB – first-half suspension), Jermod McCoy (CB, knee – out), Rickey Gibson III (CB, knee – out), Travis Smith Jr. (WR – out), Radarious Jackson (WR – out)
Final Prediction
Spread: Alabama –8.5Total (O/U): 58.5
Prediction: Alabama 34, Tennessee 27. Crimson Tide cover; game goes over 58.5.
Washington @ Michigan
A clash of styles: Michigan’s power running game vs Washington’s high-tempo, explosive offense.
Michigan Offense
Michigan averages 418 ypg (216.3 rushing, 201.7 passing), anchored by Justice Haynes, one of the nation’s leaders in rushing yards and touchdowns. The Wolverines will focus on inside zone runs and play-action, controlling tempo and keeping Washington off balance.Michigan Defense
Michigan has generated eight interceptions this season. The defensive front will pressure Demond Williams Jr. and disrupt Washington’s rhythm. With 16 sacks allowed (12th-most nationally), blitz packages and front-seven tactics will target weaknesses in pass protection.Washington Offense
Washington averages 468.5 ypg (279.7 passing, 188.8 rushing), using vertical concepts and high-tempo passing. QB Demond Williams Jr. orchestrates the attack, while RB Jonah Coleman anchors the red-zone game with 11 rushing touchdowns. Protecting Williams against Michigan’s disruptive front is critical.Washington Defense
Washington allows just 83.2 rushing yards per game, but must maintain gap discipline and backfield pressure to limit Michigan’s downhill attack. Slowing Haynes and forcing third-and-longs is essential to give Washington’s offense enough possessions to keep pace.Final Prediction
Spread: Michigan –6Total (O/U): 50.5
Prediction: Michigan 27, Washington 21. Wolverines cover –6; under 50.5.
No. 21 Texas @ Kentucky
Texas Offense
The Longhorns average 399.7 ypg (233.2 passing, 166.5 rushing), emphasizing balance and ball control. They will establish the run early to control tempo and protect the quarterback, while quick-developing passing plays offset the backup center, making his second start. Running back depth is crucial, with CJ Baxter (hamstring) doubtful. Texas must avoid negative plays and maintain rhythm to prevent Kentucky from controlling tempo.Texas Defense
Texas allows just 74.3 rushing yards per game and has forced eight interceptions this season. Their front seven excels at gap integrity and consistent pressure, creating third-and-long opportunities. Expect Texas to load the box and trust its corners to contain Kentucky’s passing game.Kentucky Offense
Kentucky averages 331.6 ypg (172.2 passing, 159.4 rushing) and will rely on motion, misdirection, and screen plays to offset Texas’s speed up front. Seth McGowan averages 17 touches, 5.5 yards per carry, and 86.2 yards per game, tied 18th nationally with 7 rushing touchdowns in just five games. Denzel Boston is a major threat in the passing game, tied 7th nationally with 6 receiving touchdowns, and will be crucial for high-leverage scoring opportunities. McGowan and Boston together give Kentucky the explosive plays needed to compete.Kentucky Defense
Kentucky’s bend-but-don’t-break defense prioritizes containment, minimizing explosive plays, and forcing Texas into long, methodical drives. Momentum-changing plays, whether via turnovers, special teams, or quick-strike passes, will be essential to keep the game competitive.Injury Report
Texas: Xavier Filsaune (DB, undisclosed – questionable), Connor Stroh (OL – questionable), Maraad Watson (DL – questionable), CJ Baxter (RB, hamstring – doubtful), Aaron Butler (WR – out), Jonathan Cunningham (LB – out), Cole Hutson (OL – out)Kentucky: Troy Stellato (WR – questionable), Aba Selm (OL – questionable), Jaden Smith (DB – probable), Jamarion Wilcox (RB – out), Jacob Smith (OLB – out), Nasir Addison (DB – out), Devin Smith (ILB – out), Nic Smith (DL – out), David Washington Jr. (WR – out), Elijah Brown (TE – out)
Final Prediction
Spread: Texas –12.5Total (O/U): 42.5
Prediction: Texas 28, Kentucky 20. Kentucky covers +12.5; over 42.5 hits.
*The predictions are not gambling advice. They are based on the current trends and statistics of the teams.