One of college football’s best rivalries renews Saturday night when Tennessee travels to Tuscaloosa to tussle with Alabama on the Third Saturday in October. Both teams have dropped one game so far this season and need a win for their SEC Championship and College Football Playoff hopes.
Ahead of each Tennessee game, we’ll talk to someone who covers the Vols’ opponent that week. This week, AL.com‘s Nick Kelly talked the Crimson Tide’s bounce back from their season-opening loss, Ty Simpson’s strong play and more.
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What has allowed Alabama to bounce back since Florida State? Is the team we’ve seen the last month the one you expected preseason?
“I’d say there were two paths for Alabama: The Crimson Tide could figure it out, or it could unravel. And Alabama chose the first option. They went back to work and kept at it. The Crimson Tide stacked good reps and good performances against ULM and Wisconsin that allowed it to be ready to go to Athens and beat Georgia. Alabama also figured out how to be resilient. That was often lacking a season ago.
Yes, I’d say the team we’ve seen the last few weeks is about what I expected. I didn’t expect Alabama to be flawless, but I thought it had a chance to be strong. We’ve seen performances with blemishes, but the talent and grit this Crimson Tide team has show through each time.”
How would you assess Ty Simpson’s play this season? Where does he excel?
“He’s playing at a high level. His confidence and poise reminds me of Bryce Young. They’re not the same players, but there’s a similarity to their presence. Simpson looked a bit uncomfortable and unsettled in the opener against Florida State, but since then, he has looked in command. He’s been surgical at times and he can make throws that aren’t easy to make. He also has a bit of a clutch gene. On third and fourth downs, the moment never looks too big for him.”
What does running back Jam Miller (concussion protocol) mean for Alabama’s offense?
“Alabama needs him back. He’s the best back the Crimson Tide has. He brings juice to the offense the other running backs haven’t shown, and he also can be a pretty good pass protector. Throughout camp, coaches raved about him. So Alabama sorely missed him the first three games of the season when he dealt with his dislocated collarbone.”
What are the strengths and weaknesses of Alabama’s defense?
“The strength is the secondary and of late, inside linebacker play. Alabama’s got good options at both of those levels of the defense. Cornerback Dijon Lee as a true freshman is emerging as a special talent already in his career. He showed it against Missouri, allowing only one reception on six targets for three yards, per PFF. He also snagged the game-winning interception.
The biggest weakness right now is the run defense overall and the pass rush. Alabama hasn’t had a true alpha rushing the passer this season or last, and it could really use one. LT Overton is good, and Yhonzae Pierre has potential, but Alabama is still somewhat waiting on a consistent pass rushing threat to emerge.”
What do you see as a key for Alabama to win on Saturday?
“Time of possession. Winning that battle has served the Crimson Tide well the past two games. Alabama needs to do it again. Keep the ball away from Tennessee’s high potent offense is a recipe for success considering the offense is the strength. So if Alabama can manage the clock well, that will go a long way toward winning the game.”
Score prediction?
Alabama has been tough at home under Kalen DeBoer. The Vols offense might be able to put up some points, but I don’t know how well the Tennessee defense will be able to stop Simpson and Alabama’s offense.
Alabama 35, Tennessee 24
