The first of three games remaining on Alabama's regular season schedule comes this Saturday afternoon when the Crimson Tide travel to Nashville for a SEC matchup with the Vanderbilt Commodores.

Despite being double-digit favorites, this is still a tough matchup for Alabama as Vanderbilt has played the Crimson Tide close each of the last two seasons. Vanderbilt even upset the Crimson Tide in shocking fashion just two years ago in Nashville, 40-35.

This season's matchup though features two teams trending in different directions as Alabama comes to FirstBank Stadium sitting at 7-2 (5-2 SEC), while Vanderbilt is 4-5 (1-5). The Crimson Tide are also ranked No. 3 nationally in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, while the Commodores have dropped five of their last six games.

Following are three predictions surrounding Alabama's trip to Nashville in Week 11.

Alabama's defense forces multiple turnovers

Vanderbilt true freshman quarterback Jared Curtis has thrown eight interceptions this season, and will be facing an Alabama defense that has excelled all year at creating turnovers, as well as currently leading the SEC with 13 picks. I'll predict the Alabama defense to force at-least two turnovers in this game, one of which is an interception.

Tide running game has big performance

Alabama's run game currently ranks among the bottom half of the SEC with an average of 143.8 rushing yards per game, but could be in store for a big performance Saturday against a Vanderbilt defense that is allowing the fourth-most yards per contest in the conference this season. With starting quarterback Keelon Russell currently dealing with an injury, I'll say offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb leans on the ground game Saturday, resulting in a big game from the likes of Daniel Hill and Trae'shawn Brown, among others.

Austin Mack sees action at quarterback

Speaking of the quarterback position, Russell is reportedly a game-time decision for Saturday's game, per On3's Pete Nakos and Chris Low, meaning that backup Austin Mack would get the start if he isn't available. I'll go with Mack to see action at quarterback Saturday whether Russell plays or not, as well as to impress in whatever action the senior does see.