Full disclosure, I expect Alabama to beat Tennessee. A double-digit Crimson Tide win would not be surprising. I make that claim despite computer models I trust predicting a close Alabama win. My optimism is based on two beliefs. The Crimson Tide has a better overall roster, and the Tennessee offense is nowhere near being special.
Optimism aside, the game could be tight for Alabama for one reason. It's the Crimson Tide's injury situation. Ryan Coleman-Williams is expected to miss the game with multiple injury issues. Crimson Tide center Racin Delgatty will be limited during the week and is expected to be a game-time decision. Terrance Green is expected to play, but on Monday, Kalen DeBoer said Green is trying to play through injury. If Green is able to play, he is not expected to be 100%, and his snaps may be limited.
Alabama OC Ryan Grubb anticipates the Crimson Tide's deep receiver room will adequately fill in for Coleman-Williams. Grubb can turn to Derek Meadows, Noah Rogers, Cederian Morgan, and possibly Tyler Henderson.
If needed, Mal Waldrep Jr. is expected to replace Delgatty at center. Waldrep would be somewhat of a physical upgrade over Delgatty. His challenge will be the mental side of the position in a stadium known for crowd noise. Waldrep may perform well, but it's a big ask.
Terrance Green out or not near 100% inot good for Alabama defense
Potentially the most damaging injury for Alabama is Terrance Green's. Green was injured in the Mississippi State game. He exited the Georgia game late in the first half. In the first half, Georgia rushed for 49 yards. In the second half, without Greene to clog the middle of Alabama's defensive line, Georgia rushed for 157 yards. Georgia ran more in the second half because it could, and averaged 6.5 yards compared to 3.3 yards in the first half. That difference, even more than the pass interference no-call, was the main reason the Bulldogs won.
Having lost Jeremiah Beaman to injury during Fall Camp, the Crimson Tide doesn't have an interior defensive lineman comparable to Terrance Green. With the Vols' QB situation in flux, Tennessee must get big yards from DeSean Bishop. He is more than capable of providing them. He has done it before against the Crimson Tide.
Note: Alabama - Georgia game stats provided by Stat Broadcast
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