Tuscaloosa, AL, October 19, 2025
News Summary
Tennessee’s leading rusher, DeSean Bishop, has been cleared to play against No. 6 Alabama this Saturday after recovering from a right leg injury. Despite Bishop’s return, Tennessee will miss tight end Ethan Davis and cornerback Jermod McCoy for the game. Both teams are 5-1 and ranked in the top 15 of the SEC standings. Alabama enters the game as a 9.5-point favorite, with significant implications for both teams as they compete in the ongoing rivalry, historically favoring Alabama at home.
Tuscaloosa, AL – DeSean Bishop Cleared to Play Against Alabama
Tennessee’s leading rusher, DeSean Bishop, has been removed from the SEC Injury Report and is set to play against No. 6 Alabama this Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. ET at Bryant-Denny Stadium. This comes after he suffered a right leg injury during Tennessee’s previous game against Arkansas, in which he recorded 146 yards and one touchdown on 14 carries. Head coach Josh Heupel expressed confidence earlier this week that Bishop would be ready for the highly anticipated matchup.
On the other hand, Tennessee tight end Ethan Davis has been downgraded to out for the game, joining cornerback Jermod McCoy, who is ruled out for the season due to an ACL tear sustained in January. Also unavailable are Rickey Gibson III, who was injured in Week 1 against Syracuse, and Radarious Jackson, who has missed the last three games. The Vols will face an Alabama team that lists their starting running back Jam Miller as probable for the encounter. Additionally, linebacker Edwin Spillman for Tennessee will miss the first half due to a targeting penalty from last week’s game.
Team Statistics and Implications
Tennessee heads into this game with a record of 5-1, having won three consecutive games and standing at 2-1 in SEC play. Alabama also boasts a 5-1 record, with a five-game winning streak and a perfect 3-0 in SEC play. The matchup is particularly significant as both teams are currently ranked in the top 15 of the SEC standings. Historically, Alabama has not lost a home game to Tennessee since 2003.
In terms of betting odds, Alabama enters the game as a 9.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 59.5 points. Noteworthy individual performances include Alabama’s starting quarterback Ty Simpson, who has completed 70.9% of his passes for 1,678 yards and 16 touchdowns, while Tennessee’s starting quarterback Joey Aguilar has thrown for 1,680 yards and 14 touchdowns over six games.
Recent History and Ongoing Rivalry
Tennessee will be seeking its first victory at Bryant-Denny Stadium since 2003, although they have won two of the last three meetings against Alabama. The upcoming game is referred to as the “Third Saturday in October,” a traditional rivalry matchup that promises excitement and intensity.
The matchup will be available for viewing on ABC.
FAQ
When is the Tennessee vs. Alabama game?
The game is scheduled for Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Who is cleared to play for Tennessee?
DeSean Bishop has been cleared to play against Alabama.
What injury did Bishop sustain?
Bishop suffered a right leg injury during the previous game against Arkansas.
Who is out for Tennessee due to injury?
Ethan Davis has been downgraded to out, and Jermod McCoy is out for the season due to an ACL tear.
What is the current record of both teams?
Tennessee is 5-1 overall and 2-1 in SEC play, while Alabama also holds a record of 5-1 and is 3-0 in SEC play.
What are the betting odds for the game?
Alabama is a 9.5-point favorite against Tennessee with an over/under set at 59.5 points.
What historical context surrounds this matchup?
Alabama has not lost a home game to Tennessee since 2003.
Key Features of the Tennessee vs. Alabama Matchup
| Feature | Tennessee | Alabama |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 5-1 (2-1 SEC) | 5-1 (3-0 SEC) |
| Key Players | DeSean Bishop (RB), Joey Aguilar (QB) | Ty Simpson (QB), Jam Miller (RB – Probable) |
| Injury Report | Ethan Davis (Out), Jermod McCoy (Out for season) | Jam Miller (Probable) |
| Betting Odds | 9.5-point underdog | 9.5-point favorite |
| Last Win at Home | 2003 | N/A |
| TV Coverage | ABC | ABC |
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Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
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