After the disappointing loss to Tennessee, don't blame the Alabama Crimson Tide defense

There is plenty of blame to be shared in the Alabama Crimson Tide loss to Tennessee. First, finger-pointing should be aimed at the Alabama Football offensive staff, including Kalen DeBoer. The next fair target is the regression of Jalen Milroe. That too sheds a negative light on DeBoer and Nick Sheridan. The Alabama offensive line is not blameless, but like Milroe's failure, offensive line weaknesses are not solely on the players.

The Alabama Crimson Tide defense was not good enough for Alabama to beat the Vols. But Crimson Tide defenders don't deserve finger-pointing blame for two reasons. The main reason is the Tide offense. James Burnip had to punt to Tennessee seven times. Alabama was 3-for-14 on offensive third-down conversions.

The Crimson Tide defense created three Tennessee turnovers; two interceptions, plus a fumble recovery after a forced fumble. Following the fumble forced by Malahi Moore and recovered by Jihaad Campbell, the Crimson Tide made two first downs and punted. After the Malachi and Jaylen Mbakwe interceptions, the Alabama offense was 3-and-out each time. Following Malachi's interception return, Alabama had a first down at the Tennessee 36-yard line. That possession ended with Alabama punting on 4th-and-33, from its own 41-yard line.

The Alabama football defense did fail to slow Tennessee running back, Dylan Sampson. Sampson gained 136 yards and averaged 5.3 yards per rushing attempt. The Vols finished with 408 total yards; 214 came on the ground. An injury-diminished Alabama secondary played much of the second half without Keon Sabb. Sabb was not 100% at the start. When the Tennessee offense did its most damage, Sabb, DeVonta Smith, and Red Morgan were unable to play.

Don't blame the Alabama Crimson Tide Defense for the loss

Given the lack of production by Alabama's offense and having to depend on backups in the secondary, the Alabama football defense cannot blamed for the loss to Tennessee.

What can be said is at 5-2, the Alabama Crimson Tide is at a crossroads. Technically, finishing the regular season at 10-2 would leave Alabama in Playoff contention. But this team does not now appear capable of finishing the regular season with five wins, and maybe not even four. Hopefully, Saturday in Knoxville was the bottom.