It should be noted first that the offensive line has to play better than it did against Missouri. The combo blocks seem like they are just about there to break some large runs off. Good news for Alabama is that there should be more gaps in the Vols' defensive line than there were for Missouri. Tennessee is close to the bottom of the league when it comes to rushing defense, albeit both opponents are in the top 15 for overall defense.
With Jam Miller questionable to play Saturday, this would be a perfect opportunity for the talented young running backs, Kevin Riley and AK Dear, to have their coming-out party against the Volunteers. Daniel Hill or Richard Young will most likely see the majority of the carries in the power run game, as they are the bigger backs. Dear could provide the spark when it comes to some of the zone runs for the Tide.
Alabama has talented options to fill in for Jam Miller
Daniel Hill: The biggest back on the roster at 6'1 244lbs, Hill has appeared in five games for the Tide this season. He has 12 rushing attempts with 39 yards while averaging over three yards a carry. He also has three catches and a TD catch, which secured the win over Missouri last week. He could imitate Miller's runs in the red zone and provide a bruising running style in goal-line situations. He could also provide a receiving threat in flats in goal-to-go situations. Last week's touchdown catch could be something for Hill to build off of.
Richard Young: The sophomore back has had a relatively quiet season so far. He has only rushed for one score, is averaging 2.5 yards per carry, to go along with just an average of six rushes a game. He only has one catch this year as well. He has just 19 carries on the season for 43 yards. With Miller's status up in the air, this could be the week Young returns to the rotation. He hasn't gotten a carry since Alabama's Week 3 win over Wisconsin.
Kevin Riley: The redshirt freshman back has been one of the most productive youngsters for the Crimson Tide. He has 44 rushing attempts for 183 yards. He is averaging a little over four yards a carry. His biggest contribution to spelling Jam Miller has been in the passing game. He has 16 catches for 139 yards and a touchdown. He has been a reliable checkdown for Simpson. Riley is a slighter back at 5-11 and 191lbs. I'd expect Riley to start if Miller is unable to suit up and have his biggest impact in the passing game. Whether it be screens or checkdowns, Riley needs to be involved to give the Tide some production in the underneath passing game.
AK Dear: The most exciting freshman back for Tide fans. He could have a great opportunity to capitalize on his playing time against Tennessee. He brings elusiveness to Alabama's running game. A speed/agility, east/west, running style. At 6-1 and 212lbs, he can hit a second gear on his runs, which fans following his recruiting saw at Quitman. Dear will be a must-watch in the coming years, especially on Saturday if he gets more opportunities to carry the ball. He only has seven carries for 85 yards, with most of that yardage coming from a long touchdown run against Louisiana-Monroe. He has not caught a pass for the Tide. With the Vols' defense being close to the bottom in rushing, Dear may provide a speed option to run wide behind Kadyn Proctor or pulling guards and break another long touchdown run.
Fans should be excited this Saturday to see these young backs perform if Jam Miller is unavailable. They each have their own skill sets and may provide a new spark to Alabama's rushing attack. One thing all these young backs are going to have to do is be reliable in pass protection and picking up extra blitzers. This has limited their playing time and is an area where Miller dominates his teammates.
Personally, I believe AK Dear should be featured on a couple of drives, especially if the blockers have success getting to the second level and providing open rushing lanes. He has the explosiveness to be a home run hitter in that backfield.