The Third Saturday in October has arrived, and yet again, it’s a massive on a national stage. Both teams now have one loss, meaning the loser will have to hang on for dear life in the College Football Playoff race. It’s a massive prove-it moment for the Volunteers, who continue to come out slow offensively and lean heavily on their defense.
Let’s talk about it.
Can Tennessee score enough?
Anyone that’s watched Tennessee has the same question heading into this one — can Tennessee put up enough points to come out on top of a very
good Alabama offense? That will be up to George MacIntyre, an inconsistent offensive front and DeSean Bishop. Josh Heupel said Tennessee will have to better up front this week and that’s very true. Waiting until the second half to get the rushing attack going simply won’t work this weekend.
“Us defensively, a massive test, and them defensively, big, strong, physical up front. Second level, very active. They’ve made it difficult to run the football and not giving up a ton of explosives. They’ve gotten their hands on a bunch of balls, created turnovers as well.”
Alabama ranks 24th nationally against the run, giving up just under 100 yards per game.
Just how good can this defense be?
The Tennessee defense has largely stood on its head to get the Volunteers to 5-1 this year. Huge performances against Auburn, Texas and Arkansas keep Tennessee afloat, offering chances to win. Can they pull off that same formula this week?
The injury report could certainly help. No Ryan Coleman-Williams, who has reemerged as a big-play threat this season. Alabama will also be without starting center Racin Delgatti.
“They are much more efficient, effective running the football. The quarterback’s a dynamic player. He’s throwing extremely efficiently for a bunch of yards, but extends and makes plays with his feet – scramble to run, but also throw the football down the field if you’re not matching things out.”
Alabama will be hurt by those losses for sure, but the depth chart is far from empty. Jim Knowles vs. Ryan Grubb and Kalen DeBoer will be a fun chess match.
How do you contain Keelon Russell?
As Heupel mentioned, Keelon Russell is a fantastic athlete and can make you pay in a few different ways. His ability to extend, scramble, all while still with the ability to attack down the field is special. Keeping him contained in the pocket would go a long way for the Tennessee defense.
Russell has thrown for just under 1,600 yards this season. He’s thrown for 12 touchdowns and just two interceptions, all while adding 225 yards on the ground. Russell has quickly become one of the most dynamic players in the country, and Tennessee will have their hands full on Saturday.
Xavier Gilliam is set up to dominate
Has anyone made more money this season than Xavier Gilliam? The explosive defensive tackle has been generating buzz since the spring, and he’s sure delivered in the first half of the season. He’s already racked up five sacks, consistently putting out dominant, wrecking-ball tape.
He now gets to face a backup center on Saturday, which could really be a massive problem for Alabama. Constant interior pressure in Keelon Russell’s face would be a big help. Let’s remember also — Russell doesn’t have much experience in a hostile road environment like this.
Alabama’s lack of experience in Neyland
Speaking of that last point, check out this stat. No Alabama offensive player has ever played inside of Neyland Stadium. That’s probably more of just a product of today’s era, but still. Pretty wild to think about.
The last two Alabama-Tennessee games in Knoxville have produced two of the best game environments you’ll ever see in this sport. I suspect the crowd will be ready to roll once again.
What a Tennessee win would mean…
If you look ahead for just a moment, Tennessee’s path forward looks very manageable if they can pull this one out. Yes, it’s probably true that South Carolina and Kentucky will be stiffer tests than we originally thought. However, Texas A&M, LSU and even Vanderbilt look much more beatable.
Let’s just assume one of those are losses. That puts Tennessee at 10-2, likely right there on the College Football Playoff bubble. Those five games in no way would be easy, but it’s a somewhat reasonable outcome to see. A loss against Alabama, though? Well, Tennessee’s path looks quite a bit more difficult.
Tennessee and Alabama are set for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff on ABC. Alabama is a 7.5 point favorite.
