Tennessee faces its toughest test of the season to date Saturday as No. 3 Alabama comes to Knoxville unbeaten. Both teams are undefeated entering the matchup for the first time since 1989 and the excitement matches the game’s magnitude.
Tennessee has lost 15 straight to the Crimson Tide marking back to Nick Saban’s first year in Tuscaloosa. Alabama is 7.5-point favorites in the game while it’s unclear whether star quarterback Bryce Young will play or not.
Here are three keys to a Tennessee victory.
Stay Ahead Of The Sticks
Alabama boasts one of the nation’s best pass rush led by potential No. 1 overall pick in next spring’s NFL Draft Will Anderson.
The Crimson Tide’s pass rush has ravaged opponents all season. It was on display a week ago as Texas A&M quarterback Haynes King spent much of his night in Tuscaloosa running for his life.
When Alabama gets opponents in third-and-long, out comes the “Cheetah Package”— a lethal pass rush set that includes three outside linebackers.
For Tennessee to win, they need to keep the Cheetah Package on the sideline by staying out of third-and-long. Pitt’s defense has had more success against Tennessee than any other team this season and they did it by frequently putting the Vols in third-and-long.
Tennessee needs to get its run game going for the second straight week to help avoid third-and-long. I expect Alabama to challenge Tennessee by rolling a safety into the box. While the quick passing game and running game will be key to staying out of third-and-long, the Vols hitting some downfield shots early in the game could be extremely effective in opening up rushing lanes.
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Continue Offensive Red Zone Success
Teams don’t beat Alabama by kicking field goals. They do it by ending drives in the end zone.
That often puts pressure on Crimson Tide opponents to score on big plays due to the challenges of lining up and running it at Alabama within the five-yard line.
The good news for Tennessee is that they’re better in the red zone than any other team in the country. The Vols have scored every time they’ve reached the red zone this season. They’ve scored touchdowns in all 17 goal-to-goal attempts this season.
A long touchdown or two will go a long way but the Vols are more than capable than having success against Alabama when the field shrinks. If they continue their success in the red zone this season than Tennessee pulling off an upset victory looks all the more plausible.
Limit Jahmyr Gibbs And Alabama’s Rushing Attack
Alabama’s passing attack’s taken a step back from last season when Jameson Williams and John Metchie tormented opposing defensive backs. However, Alabama boasts a dynamic running game led by Georgia Tech Jahmyr Gibbs.
Gibbs is averaging 8.3 yards per carry and 88 yards per game. He’s the biggest threat in a dynamic Alabama rushing attack that leads the SEC in yards per game.
Tennessee’s defense has been fantastic against the run this season, ranking second in the conference in yards per game behind only Alabama’s run defense. A week ago, Tennessee held LSU to less than 60 yards rushing and held the Tigers’ running backs to just 17 yards on 12 carries.
Tennessee isn’t going to shut down Alabama’s rushing attack like they did to LSU but they’re more than capable of limiting Alabama’s rushing attack.
While Alabama is going to have success through the air, Tennessee’s defense can survive if they limit Alabama’s rushing attack. If the Crimson Tide runs wild inside Neyland Stadium than that balance is going to make it extremely difficult on Tennessee’s defense.
One Response
I was a season ticket holder for 14 years and
was at the game when Alabama blocked 2 field goals
preventing a Tennessee win. I feel this year the Vols are
going win with their preparation and the talent to do so.
GO VOLS!