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Rival Views: Biggest threat to Alabama

Rivals.com National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell and National Recruiting Analyst Adam Gorney don’t always see eye to eye. In this edition of Rival Views, the two debate which team in the SEC is the biggest threat to Alabama’s reign.

MORE: Rival Views: Best team | Recruiting fallout at LSU

FARRELL'S VIEW: TENNESSEE

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Josh Dobbs (Getty Images)

I’m going to go with the Tennessee Volunteers.

I didn’t expect Tennessee to beat Florida, I’ll be honest about that, and my prediction of a Gators win in a low-scoring battle this past weekend is evidence. In the first half, everything was pointing in that direction. But then something happened. The Tennessee team started to believe. And when belief meets talent in such a way, you can see how great this Vols team can actually be.

Alabama is a physical team loaded with talent. But they struggle against quarterbacks who can bring that run-pass option. When Josh Dobbs is on, he can be tough to handle. Tennessee also has offensive weapons like Jalen Hurd, who can wear down a defense, and Alvin Kamara, who can be dangerous in space, not to mention talented and fast wide receivers. They torched the Florida Gators secondary and had their way with the Gators' defense, the top defense in the country heading into the game, when things started to come together. Alabama has a ton of defensive talent that rivals that of Florida, but Tennessee could pick it apart like they did with the Gators this past weekend if they now continue to believe.

In the first half we saw a team that was on edge, anxious and doubting itself trying to end an awful run of losses against a divisional foe. Now, the second half can be a jumping off point for those same players. The next three games against Georgia, Texas A&M and Alabama will tell the story.

GORNEY'S VIEW: TEXAS A&M

Myles Garrett (Getty Images)

Texas A&M is the biggest threat to Alabama for many reasons, but mainly because the Aggies have proven this season they can score points in bunches and their defense is outstanding.

No opponents – and Texas A&M has played some good ones in UCLA, Auburn and Arkansas – can run the ball against the Aggies’ front. That will be a major issue for Alabama to contend with since it likes to establish the run and overpower opponents up front, especially with a freshman quarterback.

But the Aggies are only giving up 3.2 yards per carry and have allowed only four rushing touchdowns in four games. That’s especially impressive since Texas A&M has played Auburn and Arkansas, two teams that should be able to run the ball on any team.

Nine Texas A&M players already have sacks and the Aggies have 13 total sacks in only four games. That is impressive.

And then there is the offense. Oklahoma QB transfer Trevor Knight has proven to be one of the best run/pass threats in college football, he has a bevy of outstanding receivers and the Aggies have beaten all their opponents other than UCLA by double digits.

Texas A&M is playing great football and it might be overlooked a little as a real power in the SEC.

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