Alabama vs. Tennessee is the most anticipated SEC matchup of the weekend and one of the biggest storylines people have been watching is whether or not Bryce Young will be able to play. His absence obviously proved a difference-maker in last week’s narrow, 24-20 victory over a struggling Texas A&M team.

ESPN’s Desmond Howard recently weighed in on whether or not the absence of Bryce Young would seal the deal out of Alabama’s favor.

“Yes,” Howard said bluntly. “If Bryce Young is not on the field, Alabama will be beaten by Tennessee… Tennessee has one of the most explosive offenses in the country. You look at Alabama’s offense… without Bryce Young, it’s just a different dynamic.”

He noted that the Crimson Tide could still get the ground game rolling, but that is just isn’t the same offensively without Young at the helm. Howard also said that he pictures this one as a shootout.

It’s easy to agree here, as Tennessee presents much stiffer competition than Texas A&M did. Expect this contest to be closely fought as the two teams kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT on Saturday in what should be an exciting environment in Neyland Stadium.