Well, that wasn’t very fun, was it?
Alabama must have gotten nostalgic for those abominable starts from early in the season, because they doubled down on this one. The entire first quarter was played on Alabama’s half of the field, and Tennessee led 9-0 before Tide fans had a chance to get settled into their recliners. Keelon Russell looked very much like a young quarterback playing in one of the most hostile environments in the nation, but the whole offense was out of sorts. Tennessee’s crowd was as loud
as ever, their defensive front as ferocious as acvertised, and Alabama had no answers for them.
The defense did all they could to keep Alabama in the game, forcing field goal after field goal and even getting a crucial interception to set up Keelon Russell for a touchdown scamper. Somehow, Alabama trailed only 12-10 at the half despite getting basically nothing from the offense.
Unfortunately, it turned out that this wasn’t just another sluggish start. Russell never got his footing in this one. Whether a combination of the environment and Tennessee’s front, or Russell missing Ryan Coleman-Williams more than we thought he would, or simply good scouting by the Tennessee staff, Keelon had a downright awful game. Alabama was favored on the road because they purportedly had the better passing game. Russell certainly has the higher ceiling, but George McIntyre outplayed him today.
Give Tennessee credit, their game plan coming into this one was no secret. They were going to run the football and play to their defense. Outside of the one interception, they executed the plan to perfection and the defense didn’t disappoint.
Alabama fans had every reason to be confident after last week’s loss. That confidence will be understandably shaken after this one. Teams now have a few games of tape on Keelon, and Baton Rouge isn’t exactly going to be a friendly environment. It’s not the getting behind that so concerning, it’s the fact that they never really battled back. The offense that was second in the nation in scoring just two weeks ago was thoroughly dominated this week.
To make matters worse, Zabien Brown and EJ Crowell left in the first half and never returned. Texas A&M hasn’t been great this season, but it’s hard to be confident right now given the entirety of the circumstances. Best case scenario is that they manage to escape next week and get healthier over the bye week while working out some significant issues.
And there are many to work out. Hope for the best?
There is plenty of ball on tonight for you. CFBGrid.com has the schedule, per usual.
Roll Tide.
