Paul Finebaum shared some takes on the upcoming matchup between No. 17 Tennessee and host No. 11 Alabama.

Tennessee is coming off a 20-13 victory against Texas A&M. Meanwhile, Alabama edged Arkansas 24-21 last weekend.

The ESPN analyst is doubtful that Tennessee has enough offense to withstand a dominant Alabama defense that has allowed 21 points or less in the last 5 games.

“It’s hard for me to see that,” Finebaum said. “Not that Alabama and A&M are identical teams but their defenses are both top level. I think Alabama in spite of all the things that we’ve said for 7 weeks still has the ability to make big plays.”

Finebaum says this isn’t an indictment of Tennessee but rather the reality of the situation regarding a stout Alabama defense.

“I think Tennessee is very good. I thought the effort Saturday was as impressive as any I’ve ever seen because Joe Milton tried to give the game away late,” Finebaum said. “The Tennessee defense came back and was just suffocating. I think the environment may have helped some. The special teams obviously. I think this will be a tall order for Tennessee.”

Alabama leads the all-time series 58-39-7 against Tennessee. Tennessee won its first game against Alabama since 2006 last season with a 52-49 victory in Knoxville.

Tennessee at Alabama will kick off at 3:30 p.m. EST on Saturday (CBS).