It’s the third Saturday in October and that is more than a date for Alabama and Tennessee fans. It has an official heated rivalry name between the top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide (6-0) and the Tennessee Volunteers (2-4). Even though the rivalry has been one-sided for 12 seasons, the Crimson Tide are preparing for this game like any other rivalry game. The Tide started off last week sloppy against then ranked #24 Texas A&M Aggies. Alabama will be using this game to fix their communication issues among other small structural problems. Most of all, Alabama is looking forward to smoking the cigars after they potentially beat Tennessee for the 13th time in a row.
Another big game for Najee Harris?
Last week, Tide running back Najee Harris mentioned the importance of trying to stay relevant in this pass-heavy offense. This Tide’s offense plays around the elite-level passing ability of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and four excellent wide receivers. In a program that has created two Heisman Trophy-winning running backs in Mark Ingram and Derrick Henry, the rushing game for the Tide this season has been used sparingly these past two seasons. This season, Alabama’s rushing game ranks tied for 58th in the nation in rushing yards per game (170.8). That doesn’t mean Harris isn’t needed for the Tide’s elite offense. Last week, Harris had his second 100-yard game of the season when he rushed for 114 yards on 20 carries against the Aggies. His best performance of the season came in the passing game against the South Carolina Gamecocks when he caught five receptions for 87 yards and two touchdowns.
This Saturday, the Tide could possibly turn to Harris for actual run support against the Volunteers. Defensively, the Volunteers rank 69th in the nation in rushing yards allowed per game (159.7). Despite having multiple defenders that can penetrate the backfield, they do not excel in stopping the running game overall. This game can be a big opportunity for Harris to explode against this Volunteers’ defense that is better at slowing down the passing game. Tennessee’s defense is tied for 33rd in passing yards allowed per game (199) and accounted for nine total interceptions. Tide offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian is efficient in exposing weaknesses against the opposing defense. The Crimson Tide can use their passing game to make another 50-point game offensively. Sarkisian might use Harris and Brian Robinson Jr. much more than other games in the season.
Passing offense keeps doing what they do best
The Tide ranks third in the nation in passing yards per game (366) and there are criticisms of the efficiency. Much of Alabama’s success comes from the short passing game that turns into long breakout runs from the wide receivers. After the weekend, the Tide’s passing game was under minor scrutiny of the play calling. Media outlets and overzealous passing game enthusiasts wanted them to air out the ball more. Tagovailoa came in the aid of the play calling but these simple plays get points on the board. The Tide are ranked second in the nation in points per game (51) without having to dig deeper into their playbook. This play style will also keep them safe against a Volunteers pass defense that is very efficient in creating turnovers.
The defense will need to start off on a better note
The Crimson Tide’s defense did not start off efficient against the Aggies offense. The Tide allowed a touchdown drive from the Aggies in the first drive that killed more than eight minutes off the clock. The Tide will need to be more efficient in their performance. This means avoiding missed tackles and the defensive line not overpursuing the quarterback in the pocket. This Tide’s defense has not performed to the high standards in the past couple of seasons. They are ranked 36th in total yards allowed per game (336) and 14th in points allowed per game (17). It is unknown if the Volunteers will clear quarterback Brian Maurer from a concussion that he suffered last week against Mississippi State and start his third consecutive game for Tennessee. The Tide’s defense will also have to be prepared to face Jarrett Guarantano in dual-reps or as the main starter.
Retain the efficiency in the pass defense – Fix the communication
Among the problems that the defense had last week is the communication channel given by safety Xavier McKinney. The play-calling by McKinney has been efficient but some of the other secondaries failed to understand the adjustments. This game against Tennessee is a great chance to get better in a live performance setting. This will be important before they play #2 LSU in a few weeks. Tennessee’s offense ranks 93rd in passing yards per game (207.3) and 102nd in points per game (23). Most of the impact from the passing game comes from Volunteers wide receiver Jauan Jennings, who caught 29 receptions for 412 yards and five touchdowns. This will be an excellent matchup for cornerback Trevon Diggs on a typical man coverage scheme. Safeties Shyheim Carter or Jared Mayden will also provide support if Jennings runs an inside route.
