It's Tennessee Week, and for many Alabama fans, that makes the Third Saturday in October special. The Crimson Tide's Playoff potential suffered little from the close to Georgia. What did change is the Tennessee game is a must-win for Alabama to remain in contention for a high playoff seed.
The Crimson Tide could not be catching the Vols at a better time. As recently as last season, Tennessee fans spoke of Josh Heupel as an 'Offensive Savant'. That term won't be heard much, if any, this week. The Tennessee offense is in disarray. The Vols have worse than a QB1 controversy. They don't have a quarterback who can make Heupel's offense potent.
Freshman Faizon Brandon hurt his shoulder in the Tennessee loss to Texas. He started the Tennessee game against Auburn but was ineffective in limited action. George MacIntyre played effectively against Auburn but threw only 10 passes. The Vols didn't need a passing attack against the Tigers, with DeSean Bishop rushing for 220 yards.
Heupel played coy about a starter leading up to the Arkansas game. Turns out Brandon had been unable to practice, so MacIntyre got the call against the Hogs. The Vols second-year QB passed for 247 yards against the Hogs. The game was tied in the 4th quarter, and Tennessee's rally to win was mostly due to a 59-yard run by Bishop.
Early indications are that Heupel will be coy again about Brandon's health and who will start at quarterback against Alabama. The Tennessee site All for Tennessee calls for MacIntyre to start, stating that he gives Tennessee the "best chance to beat Alabama."
After Georgia back-ups Dwight Phillips Jr. and Bo Walker slashed through the Crimson Tide for 189 yards, with a 7-yard carry average, Bishop probably can't wait for Saturday.
An Alabama Defensive Adjustment
Heupel's successful, gimmick offense relies on wide offensive sets that spread opposing defenses. A result can be many open holes for Tennessee running backs. Arkansas stacked the box against the Vols, forcing MacIntyre to win mostly through the air.
Alabama's secondary has been inconsistent, but it is good enough for Kane Wommack to frequently load the box and have success containing Bishop. It is a numbers game Alabama should and can win.
Tennessee has played only two Power Four teams with winning records. Against those teams, Heupel's Tennessee passing offense is next-to-last among SEC teams. George MacIntyre will not suddenly become one of the SEC's top quarterbacks. Slow the Vols' rushing attack by loading the box, and Alabama will win.
Add us as a preferred source on Google