The #1 Alabama Crimson Tide entered the preparation against the Texas A&M Aggies expecting to start redshirt freshman quarterback Jalen Milroe but not ruling out Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Bryce Young. The Tide had one its toughest battles of the season since the 20-19 road win over the Texas Longhorns. Alabama held on for a 24-20 home victory over the Aggies with some troubles on both sides of the ball.
While Milroe played well at certain points of the game but struggled as a passer. Milroe completed 12-of-19 for 111 yards, three touchdowns, one interception, and a QBR of 62.1. He also rushed for 83 yards on 17 carries. Milroe had problems securing the ball as he fumbled twice and was sacked four times. Clearly, Milroe was not fully ready to lead an Alabama offense, but that goes on offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien. There were times when the Tide was willing to utilize an RPO offensive scheme, but when the team needed plays, O’Brien veered away from the schemes.
There were reports that Young wanted to go into the fourth quarter as the Tide did not score in the fourth quarter. Young is dealing with a shoulder sprain he suffered in the second quarter of the road game against the Arkansas Razorbacks. He is considered day-to-day as head coach Nick Saban will not exhaust his quarterback for future games. This Saturday, however, Alabama will play its biggest game of the season as they travel to Knoxville to take on the undefeated #6 Tennessee Volunteers, with or without Bryce Young.
Does Bryce Young need to play against Tennessee for Alabama?
Bryce Young is the best option for the game against Tennessee
Young has been a part of several head-to-head matchups with some of the top quarterbacks, such as Ole Miss’ Matt Corral, Cincinnati’s Desmond Ridder, and Georgia’s Stetson Bennett, twice. Alabama is set to take another high-volume quarterback Hendon Hooker, who has established himself as a potential high pick for the 2023 NFL Draft. Tennessee ranks second in the nation in points per game (46.8) and seventh in passing yards per game (340.4). Hooker leads the SEC in quarterback rating at 179.5, with Young at #3 at 172.9. Hooker is also second in completion percentage (70%) in the SEC and first in passing yards per attempt (10.2). While the defense of Alabama ranks 12th in passing yards allowed per game (166.3), it would beneficial to have the Tide’s best offensive player back in case of a shootout on the road.
Young has been the saving grace for the Crimson Tide this season. His most clutch performance came in the 20-19 road win over Texas when he passed for 27-of-39 completions for 213 yards, one touchdown, and a QBR of 76.2. Young led a game-winning drive that resulted in a 33-yard field goal from 33-yards with 10 seconds. Young’s passing ability will certainly be the main factor of the game as the Volunteers’ defense ranks 128th in the nation in passing yards allowed per game (307.4). Of the nine touchdowns Tennessee’s defense has allowed, six of them have come from the passing game. Young possesses great display to diagnose plays of his receiver’s route and the coverage schemes from the opposing secondary. Young’s experience, high-caliber passing abilities, and play recognition make him the best player in this game and one of the best in the country.
Are the Tide Doomed Against Tennessee Without Bryce Young?
With Young’s status for Saturday still up the air, there are serious concerns over how efficient the Tide’s offense can be. Milroe isn’t a strong passer and true freshman and former five-star quarterback Ty Simpson has essentially any experience. Alabama could look to utilize their run game with running back Jahmyr Gibbs and RPO schemes under Milroe correctly, just as the Florida Gators tried against Tennessee in week four. Tennessee’s rush defense ranks 11th in the nation (89.4 rushing yards allowed per game). This will be a game where the offensive line will have to win consistently at the line of scrimmage. Without Young, they will not have the same offensive efficiency they have been able to account for in the first four games of the season.
The Tide’s defense could also be in a battle, as they face a well-disciplined Volunteers’ offense at each position group. Tennessee’s offensive line has allowed only eight sacks through five games this season. Hooker is a quarterback that extends drives with his legs by escaping the pocket or reacting to an opening. Alabama will need to be alert as they have allowed critical first downs from outside runs, especially on third downs. The biggest pressure for the Tide’s defense will be on defensive coordinator Pete Golding, who needs to get his defense in the proper position and have his players react efficiently if they are to play in the zone defense. They are more consistent in man-to-man coverages but allow mental lapses in a zone defense. If the Tide can’t find some defense control, they may be in another Texas/Texas A&M game.
