Crimson Keys: Alabama vs. Tennessee

Bama Hammer looks ahead with Crimson Keys to this weekend’s matchup: Alabama vs. Tennessee.

On Saturday, the eight ranked Alabama Crimson Tide (6-1) hosts their rival Tennessee Volunteers (3-3) in what will likely be one of the most anticipated games between the two rivals in quite some time. Tennessee is undoubtedly as good as they’ve been since 2009, despite finding a way to beat themselves more than once this year, and Alabama seems to be coming into their own as a team fresh off two top ten wins over the last three weeks.

Tennessee is led by triple threat quarterback Josh Dobbs. I say he’s a triple threat because Dobbs has scored touchdowns passing, rushing, and even receiving this year. He has thrown for 1,101 yards and 8 touchdowns with just two interceptions along with 368 yards on the ground and five touchdowns. He also caught a 58-yard touchdown pass earlier this year against Florida. Tennessee is coming off of a come-from-behind win over Georgia two weeks ago, and a bye last week, while Alabama is coming off three straight SEC wins over Georgia, Arkansas, & Texas A&M. It’s time to look at the keys to another Alabama win.

Derrick Henry Needs to Roll
So far this year Derrick Henry has been, unquestionably, Alabama’s workhorse and is the guy that the offense can lean on when tough yards are needed. Last week Henry ran for more than 200 yards on the ground for the first time and once again this week Alabama will need to lean on the big back. Only Arkansas has managed more than 200 yards on the ground against the Tennessee defense this year but Alabama’s offense mirrors that of Arkansas more than any other team Tennessee has played this year, other than maybe Georgia who ran for 165 yards on the ground despite Nick Chubb going down.

Oct 17, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) rushes during the second quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. The Crimson Tide defeated the Aggies 41-23. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Henry will get his chances in the game and I truly believe he will definitely make several plays for the Tide offense, which should also open things up for Jacob Coker and the passing game. Hopefully Kenyan Drake or possibly freshman Damien Harris can give Henry a break at some point and also make some plays of their own.

Offensive Line Must Step Up
Jake Coker is getting hit far too much this season and that only intensified last week when center Ryan Kelly went out of the game late in the first half with a concussion. The hope is that Kelly will be able to return against Tennessee and will certainly improve the offensive line production if he can come back. Backup JC Hasseanauer struggled early in the first half but did get better as the game went on. Cam Robinson has also been slowed up by some injuries in the past week and limiting him practice is hopefully going to get back to full strength at some time.

Sep 5, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide center Ryan Kelly (70) and guard Ross Pierschbacher (71) block against Wisconsin Badgers defensive end Arthur Goldberg (95) at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Whoever is out there, regardless, must step up and not only open holes for Henry but give Coker some time to throw. Coker gets hit way too often, even when he completes passes, but he thankfully he has shown an ability to scramble and make plays with his feet as well. Tennessee will unquestionably load the box to try and stop the run, as well blitz Coker early and often to cause problems with him.

Defensive Continue to Make Plays
Alabama’s defense has forced 11 turnovers since the Ole Miss loss and has scored four touchdowns on those turnovers which ties for the most by an Alabama team under Saban. Alabama has got to continue to make plays for their team and even if they don’t score a touchdown on a turnover giving the Alabama offense a short field drastically helps the issues they have on that side. Eddie Jackson, who has moved to safety from corner rather than to corner from safety despite Butch Jones being clueless on this point, has been one of the keys for these turnovers for the Tide and his leadership will be needed against the explosive Dobbs.

Another key thing for Alabama’s turnovers, especially in terms of interceptions, has been the pressure they have been able to put on opposing quarterbacks. The defensive line has been nothing short of stellar and that will need to continue to continue Dobbs in this game. He will try to get lose against this defense and it will be up to that line along with likely Reggie Ragland, as the spy, to hold him in check along with his group of talented backs that includes Jalen Hurd (572 yards, 7 TD) and former Alabama running back Alvin Kamara (255 yards, 3 TD).

I also want to take a chance here to say rest in peace to former Alabama running back Altee Tenpenny and send my condolences to all of his friends and family. It is truly unfortunate to hear what happened.

Alabama hosts Tennessee at 2:30 PM on CBS. Check back here early and often for live coverage during the game if you can’t watch.

Next: Hilarious Tennessee Fan Voicemails Left For Lane Kiffin