Peyton Manning said he believes his Tennessee Vols has something they have desperately needed for 15 years: Something Alabama proof.

Manning, the former Tennessee quarterback, said Hendon Hooker is the remedy for the Vols’ 15-year losing streak to Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide.

He wasn’t alone on Saturday when he appeared on ESPN’s “College GameDay” as the guest picker when predicting the game between No. 3 Alabama and No. 6 Tennessee.

“If Bryce Young is a 100 percent, I’m going Alabama easy,” Desmond Howard said. “He’s going to play, but we don’t know how effective he’s going to be. What’s going to affect him is throwing the long ball and outside the numbers. For the reason alone, I’m going with Tennessee.”

David Pollack pointed to Alabama’s defense being the difference.

“I don’t think they are ready for the pressure yet,” the former Georgia standout said about the Vols. “Hendon Hooker becomes human in one aspect: When he gets pressure. (Chris) Braswell, (Dallas) Turner, (Will) Anderson. Those boys can get some pressure, and, because of that, I think Alabama will win the game.”

McAfee, who was a teammate of Peyton Manning with the Indianapolis Colts, said his former quarterback has made him a believer. “Give me Tennessee by a million,” he said after leading the fans in a rendition of “Rocky Top.”

Kirk Herbstreit, meanwhile, was a little more philosophical about it.

“Tennessee’s scoring 47 a game,” he said. “There’s never been more belief and excitement on Rocky Top since Peyton and Tee Martin were here. It’s been a long drought. They are as hungry as they have ever been. Probably the most underrated home field advantage – not just in the SEC – but in the country, and it’s great to see them back.

“With that in mind, Alabama comes in here limping. Did you see them against A&M? If there is ever a time you want Alabama, it’s right now. The history lesson here is when Alabama comes in limping and you think they are vulnerable, ‘we can get them, Alabama you can’t fool me,’ Alabama shows up – mysteriously and miraculously – and looks like Alabama. Alabama beats Tennessee.”

Manning, though, is all about Knoxville.

“Tennessee needs something Alabama proof,” he said. “We haven’t had it in 15 years, but I think we have it now. His name is Hendon Hooker. He’s the new sheriff in town. I’m going with the Tennessee Vols in a close one.”

Here’s Corso’s pick.

Check out the other picks:

North Dakota State-South Dakota State

• Howard: North Dakota State
• McAfee: South Dakota State
• Manning: North Dakota State
• Corso: North Dakota State
• Herbstreit: North Dakota State

Kansas-Oklahoma

• Howard: Kansas
• McAfee: Kansas
• Manning: Oklahoma
• Corso: Kansas
• Herbstreit: Oklahoma

Clemson-Florida State

• Howard: Clemson
• McAfee: Clemson
• Manning: Clemson
• Corso: Clemson
• Herbstreit: No pick

Minnesota-Illinois

• Howard: Minnesota
• McAfee: Illinois
• Manning: Minnesota
• Corso: Minnesota
• Herbstreit: Illinois

Miss. State-Kentucky

• Howard: Miss. State
• McAfee: Miss. State
• Manning: Kentucky
• Corso: Miss. State
• Herbstreit: Miss. State

USC-Utah

• Howard: Utah
• McAfee: USC
• Manning: USC
• Corso: USC
• Herbstreit: Utah

NC State-Syracuse

• Howard: Syracuse
• McAfee: NC State
• Manning: Syracuse
• Corso: Syracuse
• Herbstreit: Syracuse

Oklahoma State-TCU

• Howard: TCU
• McAfee: TCU
• Manning: TCU
• Corso: TCU
• Herbstreit: Okla. State

Penn State-Michigan

• Howard: Michigan
• McAfee: Penn State
• Manning: Michigan
• Corso: Michigan
• Herbstreit: Michigan

Alabama-Tennessee

Howard: Tennessee

McAfee: Tennessee

Manning: Tennessee

Corso: Tennessee

Herbstreit: Alabama