3 players who could be X-Factors for Alabama football against Tennessee

Alabama Football heads to Knoxville this weekend to battle Tennessee at Neyland Stadium in what could effectively be a playoff elimination game. Both the Crimson Tide and Volunteers suffered road losses to unranked opponents two weeks ago, and both struggled against unranked opponents at home this past week, though both pulled out uninspiring victories.

Alabama and Tennessee are both looking for resume boosting victories. The winner will position themselves well in the playoff race, while the loser will likely be on the outside looking in and needing some help from others to get back into it.

The Crimson Tide played A+ football in the first 18-minutes of the Georgia game, building a 28-0 advantage they were able to hang on to despite an uninspired second half. The last 10 quarters of football for Alabama has been nowhere close to the level of play this team is capable of.

If Alabama can get back to its standard, the level of play we saw against Georgia in the first half, then the Crimson Tide can and should beat Tennessee. If we get the same sloppy, undisciplined play we've seen the last two games, then it's tough to see a path to victory at Neyland Stadium for the good guys.

3 players who could be X-Factors for Alabama

3. Jam Miller

While Justice Haynes has been starting, for my money Jam Miller has separated himself as the Crimson Tide's best back, and someone who is worthy of more touches in the offense.

It's always going to be difficult for running backs to get the amount of touches you hope with such a running threat at QB like Jalen Milroe. Milroe is the best athlete on the team, and it's hard to want to take the ball out of his hands, particularly in tense moments.

But Miller has earned an expanded role. Even when the hole isn't there and the line is getting pushed back, Miller is making things happen and gaining positive yardage. Perhaps more importantly for this game, Miller has proven himself to be a weapon out of the backfield.

Tennessee is going to bring heat to get to Milroe. The Vols have a defensive line on par with what Alabama saw against South Carolina last week. Milroe is going to need to get the ball out of his hands quick to stymie the pass rush, and that could mean Miller gets more touches as a receiver.

Look for Miller to be more of a focal point this week, combining 15-20 touches between rushes and receptions, and for him to have a good day.

2. LT Overton

It seems to be just a matter of time before LT Overton turns his pass rush win rate into bigger statistics. He is getting into the backfield repeatedly every game, but has struggled to actually make the play when he has gotten there.

Overton led the country last week with nine quarterback pressures, but didn't register a sack. For the season, Overton is eight nationally with a pass rush win rate of 19.4%, and is second in the country with 20 quarterback hurries.

The fact that he's only registered a single sack with those numbers is mind boggling. At some point, soon, Overton is going to have a multi-sack game. I think there's a chance that it happens this week. Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava is an impressive young QB, but he's been sacked 11 times and has struggled to handle consistent pass rushes.

I expect Alabama to bring a lot of pressure based on how things went last week against South Carolina when they blitzed vs. when they didn't. I think Overton breaks free and brings him down multiple times, potentially even stripping the ball out in the process for a big turnover in a key moment.

1. Kendrick Law

Alabama needs Kendrick Law back. Badly. While the junior wide receiver hasn't made a huge impact as a pass catcher, he's been a demon as an outside blocker, and the ability to open up outside rushing lanes will be key against a Tennessee defensive front that will be awful stingy on inside rushes.

Law was listed as a game-time decision on last week's final availability report, and was listed as a starter during pre-game warmups. Ultimately, Law didn't play, missing his second straight game since a lower body injury he suffered against Georgia.

Another week of recovery should allow Law to play this week against the Vols. He'll be a big difference maker for the offense, and could make a big play in the return game as well. Getting him back to returning kicks would be a boost as Emmanuel Henderson has looked shaky with his ball security the last two weeks.