The Tennessee Volunteers pulled off the makings of a huge upset over the #3 Alabama Crimson Tide in week 7. The Volunteers had the dynamic explosive quarterback in Hendon Hooker, they had the home-field advantage, and they had every media outlet breathing down the neck of the Tide. Despite a Heisman-type performance from Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, the Tide fell to the pressure in an ugly way to lose 52-49 in a last-second field goal. Alabama showed they were, by far, the most undisciplined team on the field as well as the most unprepared.
The performance in the secondary was terrible as they allowed Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt to catch six receptions for 207 yards and five touchdowns. The Tide encountered 17 penalties in the game against the Volunteers, the most in program history. Alabama had several chances to redeem themselves to get out of Knoxville with a win in the final drive. Will Reichard misses an important field goal to take the lead, adding to his terrible struggles lately. Offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien had a combination of predictable play calls for all passing plays. O’Brien didn’t call a run play despite having the timeouts available or help set up Reichard in a better field position. The defense, led by the defensive coordinator, couldn’t secure themselves in the secondary for one final drive as they continued to let easy passes complete.
Alabama still controls its destiny as they do not need to let a top-10 loss bring down its resume for the CFB Playoff.
Alabama Still Controls Its Destiny After The Loss To Tennessee
The Secondary Has To Get Better In Time For Mississippi State
There is no easy way of putting this, the secondary for the Crimson Tide was thrashed all night. Other than Kood-Aid McKinistry, the defense of the Crimson Tide was defenseless as Hendon Hooker and Jalin Hyatt had Heisman Trophy-type performances. With Hyatt as the slot receiver, the Tide was unable to get the coverage schemes in order. Defensive coordinator Pete Golding had safety Demarcco Hellams cover Hyatt in several one-on-one coverages as he was dominated constantly. The defense failed to adjust by flipping schemes, flipping coverage players, or even playing a deep safety just in case. The game’s final drive showed how often the defense of Alabama allowed mid-range passes. Alabama’s defense ranks 31st in the nation in passing yards allowed per game (197.6).
It doesn’t get easier for Alabama as they are having to adjust quickly to take on the air-raid offense of #24 Mississippi State at home this Saturday. The Bulldogs will challenge the vulnerable secondary of the Crimson Tide with the constant passing game. Will Rogers has completed 228-of-320 of his passed (71.3%) for 2,324 yards (third in the nation), 23 touchdowns (third in the nation), only four interceptions, and a quarterback rating of 153.5. Alabama has only lost eight games at home with Nick Saban as head coach. They come into this game as a 21-point favorite. If, however, the secondary cannot play more efficiently in recognition, they will remain labeled as undisciplined.
Alabama Still Controls Its Destiny
The Crimson Tide remain very much in control of their destiny. Alabama has won four-of-the-six Championship titles under Saban from seasons where they lost a big upset. These regular season losses served as a wake-up call to the players and the coaching. The games came from moments where weaknesses grew to where the Tide could not overcome against more established teams.
There is no doubt that Tennessee is a much-improved team, as they are full title contenders. The Volunteers are a team that could dethrone the #1 Georgia Bulldogs for the SEC East division. Alabama has a great chance to take on Georgia or Tennessee in the SEC Championship. That being said, now isn’t the time for Alabama to overcome glaring position needs and communication issues involving the coaching staff.
