AJ McCarron Alabama
Heisman candidate A.J. McCarron and Alabama remain a fixture atop the polls and BCS rankings ahead of Saturday's showdown with Tennessee. Reuters

The Alabama Crimson Tide are the top ranked team in both polls and the BCS, and have the No. 1 defense in the country. The Tennessee Volunteers will try to upend the defending champs in SEC play on Saturday afternoon at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Over the last five games, the Tide have allowed one touchdown and three field goals, outscoring opponents 201-16, and are another five victories away from a third straight trip to the national title game.

Tennessee is in the middle of a merciless gauntlet of a schedule, going 2-3 in their last five games against Oregon, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. After the Tide, the Volunteers are on the road again versus undefeated upstart Missouri, and host No. 11 Auburn.

The only two wins during that run came against South Alabama, and last week’s 23-21 squeaker over the Gamecocks. The Volunteers generated two turnovers, and receivers Marquez North and Alton Howard combined for 11 catches for 135 yards and a score.

Quarterback Justin Worley went 19-for-34 for 179 yards and tossed a touchdown for the seventh straight game. Senior running back Rajion Neal gained 77 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries. Neal is tied for fourth in the SEC with 693 yards and eight touchdowns this season.

Meanwhile, Alabama continued to pound lesser competition with a 52-0 beat down of Arkansas, totaling 352 rushing yards and three turnovers.

A.J. McCarron fluffed up his Heisman stats with three passing touchdowns, and underclassmen Derrick Henry and Kenyan Drake netted 115 rushing yards and three scores. Alabama’s rushing attack has now totaled 16 touchdowns, and has let up only two scores on the ground.

The Tide defense is led by C.J. Mosley’s 58 total tackles, and freshman defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson’s team-best 4.0 sacks. Junior defensive back Vinnie Sunseri also leads the team with two picks returned for 111 yards, and six passes defended.

The Vols are 11th in SEC in total defense, with senior lineman Marlon Walls notching 4.5 sacks, and sophomore defensive back Brian Randolph’s three interceptions.

Point Spread: Alabama favored by 28.5 points.

Over/Under: 52 points

Kickoff Time: 3:30 PM Eastern Time

Where To Watch Online: CBS Sports Online

TV Channel: CBS

Prediction: Alabama 40, Tennessee 10

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