Alabama Football's offense must contend with the Vols best defensive component

The biggest strength for a good Tennessee team is its defensive front. To succeed against it the Alabama Football offense will battle a thunderous crowd and one of the most dominating defensive lines in college football. In addition, Tennessee is deep across its defensive front, as ESPN's Chris Low explained. At midseason "12 defensive linemen or edge rushers have at least one tackle for loss, and eight have at least two tackles for loss." One of the eight is one of college football's best. After a slow start to the season, James Pearce Jr. has been sensational in Tennessee's last two games, producing "16 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 9 pressures, (and a forced) fumble."

Pearce coming off the left side of the Vols defense could be a mismatch against the right side of Alabama's offensive line. As I wrote earlier in the week, Tennessee's defensive stats are inflated because the Vols opened the season against three weak opponents. Two of the three were such cupcakes, that the description 'lambs to the slaughter' comes to mind.

A fair assessment of Tennessee's defensive front production can be made from the Arkansas and Florida games. In the road loss to the Arkansas Razorbacks, the Vols recorded two sacks and seven tackles for a loss. The Hogs are No. 88 in the FBS in Sacks Allowed and tied at No. 108 in Tackles for Loss Allowed. In Tennessee's home win over Florida, the Vols impressively recorded three sacks and 12 tackles for a loss. The Gators are No. 40 in Sacks Allowed and No. 70 in Tackles for Loss Allowed.

Arkansas is No. 57 in rushing yards per carry. Razorback running backs averaged 4.1 yards against the Vols. Florida's rank for the the same stat is No. 74, but Gator running back Montrell Johnson Jr. ran for 85 yards against Tennessee; a 7.1-yard average.

More Carries for Alabama Football Running Backs

With the Vols' top tackler and onfield play-caller, Keenan Pili lost for the season, the Crimson Tide could negate some of Tennessee's pass-rushing strength, by attacking on the ground. Kalen DeBoer mentioned he would like the Jam Miller and Justice Haynes to get more carries. Saturday afternoon might be a good time.

The flip side to Alabama focusing more on rushing is the greatest weakness of the Tennessee defense is in the secondary. Jermod McCoy has played well for the Vols but otherwise, the Tennessee secondary can be exploited. Alabama being able to take advantage goes back to the Tide's pass protection and Nick Sheridan's play-calling.

Note: Team and player stats provided by ESPN and cfbstats.com