As the Alabama Crimson Tide prepare to face the Tennessee Volunteers in a critical SEC showdown, player prop betting adds an exciting dimension to this highly-anticipated rivalry. The implications of this game stretch beyond mere bragging rights; both teams are eyeing the SEC Championship and potential spots in the College Football Playoff. Here are three player prop picks to consider for the matchup.
### Jalen Milroe: Over 1.5 Rushing Touchdowns (+225)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe has emerged as a dynamic dual-threat this season. To cash this prop, Milroe needs to find the end zone twice on the ground. Remarkably, he has rushed for two touchdowns in five of his six games this season, with the only outlier being a single touchdown performance against Vanderbilt. Milroe’s unique combination of speed and power makes him a formidable threat, particularly in the red zone.
However, Tennessee’s defense presents a significant challenge. The Volunteers boast one of the best run defenses in the nation, allowing just 79 rushing yards and 11 points per game. Their defensive stats are impressive, but it’s worth noting that they have not faced many mobile quarterbacks with Milroe’s capabilities. This could be the game where Milroe’s athleticism shines, especially if Tennessee’s defense focuses heavily on containing Alabama’s passing game.
### Justice Haynes: Under 26.5 Rushing Yards (-114)
Betting the under on a low rushing yardage prop like Justice Haynes at 26.5 yards can feel risky, but the current context suggests a compelling case for this pick. Haynes has had a limited role in Alabama’s offense, particularly in SEC games where the running backs combined have only averaged around 12 carries per game. With Milroe often serving as the primary ball carrier, Haynes’ opportunities may dwindle further against a stout Tennessee run defense.
In his recent outings against strong competition, Haynes has recorded 35, 23, and 26 rushing yards, which illustrates his struggle to break through against tough defenses. Given that Tennessee excels at stopping the run, it’s reasonable to expect Alabama to lean more heavily on Milroe’s legs and aerial attack, potentially leaving Haynes with fewer opportunities to exceed this prop line.
Dylan Sampson: Over 99.5 Rushing Yards (-115)
On the other side of the field, Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson stands out as a key player in the Volunteers’ offense. Sampson has been instrumental in Tennessee’s ground game, which ranks seventh in the nation, averaging 246 rushing yards per game. His 699 rushing yards this season are indicative of his ability to consistently contribute, making him a reliable option for this prop.
Sampson’s workload is noteworthy; he is typically the primary ball carrier for Tennessee, which sets him apart from Alabama’s running back situation where carries are more evenly distributed. In fact, he has exceeded 99.5 rushing yards in all but one game this season. Alabama has shown vulnerability against the run, especially in games outside of their performances against Western Kentucky and Georgia, where they held opponents under 100 yards. If Tennessee focuses on a run-heavy game plan, Sampson is well-positioned to capitalize.
### Conclusion
The Alabama vs. Tennessee matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter filled with high stakes and explosive plays. Betting on Jalen Milroe to rush for over 1.5 touchdowns takes advantage of his dual-threat capability, while the under on Justice Haynes reflects the shifting dynamics of Alabama’s rushing game. Conversely, backing Dylan Sampson to surpass 99.5 rushing yards leverages his prominent role in a powerful Tennessee ground attack. With the stage set, these prop bets offer a way to engage with the game on a deeper level.
