Alabama is outscoring opponents by an average of 32.7 points, and hasn’t won a game by fewer than sixteen. Last Saturday’s 52-7 win at Mississippi was its highest-scoring conference game since 1990. Tennessee is 3-3 on the year and have yet to win a conference game. The Vols are coming off of a 38-7 loss to the top ranked LSU Tigers, and come into this game heavy underdogs. Judging by the comments from Coach Dooley and many of the Tennessee players, they don’t expect to leave Tuscaloosa with a win, but you can bet that won’t stop them from playing hard. This is a huge rivalry game and is not to be taken lightly.
Let’s take a look at how the teams stack up in our Fourth Saturday in October edition of The Breakdown:
With top ranked LSU coming to Tuscaloosa in two weeks, the challenge this week becomes focusing on the Vols, not the Tigers. The media hype surrounding the game with LSU has created a bit of frustration with Coach Saban. He doesn’t want his players looking ahead and losing focus. Many have acted as if this game with Tennessee is a formality, but the players understand it is not. Two years ago it took two blocked field goals to beat the Vols, and many of those players are still on this Tide roster.
Alabama Linebackers vs. Tennessee Running Backs. Tennessee’s ground game began to take shape last week against LSU, and they had some success running the ball. Tauren Poole is no slouch; he was the last RB to gain 100 yards against a defense that has been the stingiest in the nation over the last three years. I don’t expect him to be lacking confidence, due to his success against the Tide.
Coach Dooley admits that quarterback Matt Simms is much better than injured Tyler Bray at getting the right calls in place for the run game. I expect the Tide linebackers to be plugging gaps all night long, and their ability to corral Poole will be the key to slowing him down. This Alabama defense prides itself in stopping the run, and they will be looking to continue that trend.
Advantage goes to Alabama, due to exceptional linebacker play. Keep an eye on the Vols offensive line; they will be moving OG Alex Bullard over to play center which could cause problems if he can’t get the right checks.
Alabama’s Offensive Line vs. Tennessee Defensive Line. This is one we’ll all be keeping an eye on. The Tide has been practicing without two key starters across the offensive line. OT Barrett Jones has been nicked up and missed some practice this week, but is expected to play. The status of Alabama RG Anthony Steen is more of an unknown. Steen suffered a concussion and has missed practice all week. Senior Alfred McCullough is more than capable of replacing Steen and will get the nod is Steen isn’t cleared to play.
The Tennessee defensive front is solid, but not very deep, and was pushed around last week by LSU. Look for much of the same this week as Trent Richardson tries to add to his season total and keep his Heisman hopes alive. I expect Lacy to play a limited role this week, and Jalston Fowler should get another shot at meaningful playing time.
With a new face in the starting lineup on the Tide offensive line, it might take a quarter to get in rhythm, But don’t expect much of a drop off, if any. Tennessee will come out fighting, but with a lack of depth and having just played a physical LSU team, Alabama will eventually have their way.
Alabama Receivers vs. Tennessee Defensive Backs. Here’s a matchup not many people will be talking about. Coming off his two best games to date, AJ McCarron is looking better and better. Many say his play will determine Bama’s fate against LSU, and this week is another opportunity to polish up the passing game.
DeAndrew White and Kenny Bell have been doing a great job for the Tide and need to keep growing. Tennessee only has one interception this year, and they aren’t shutting down the pass like they need to. Expect everyone to get involved in the passing game for the Tide. This is Alabama’s last shot at game reps before LSU, and that could spell trouble for Tennessee.
The outside receivers for Bama haven’t been dominant, but they have been very efficient. Tight Ends Brad Smelley and Michael Williams have been outstanding and give Bama a decided advantage.
Pay special attention to: Alabama special teams. Coach Saban wasn’t happy with the kick coverage in the last two games. Thursday on his radio show, he alluded to personnel changes in the coverage unit if those problems aren’t fixed.
Offensive Line. with Steen expected to be out – or at least limited – and Barrett Jones banged up, the Tide may have some new faces in the lineup early.
Alabama DB’s. Two weeks in a row, Tide DB’s gave up huge plays on the first series. Look for increased intensity on the opening defensive series for the Tide.
Alabama DL. The Vols swap some players around on the O-line this week, moving the starting guard to center. Watch for the Alabama DL to jump all over them is they begin to have communication problems.
Alabama 48 – Tennessee 10
On Sunday, we’ll look at the Highs & Lows of the game, and breakdown the results.