Alabama football returns to Tennessee on the Third Saturday in October, eager to avenge its 2022 loss in Knoxville. The Crimson Tide and Volunteers both stand at 5-1 entering the game, which could have major implications in the College Football Playoff race.
The game is scheduled to kick off at 2:45 p.m. CT at Neyland Stadium. It will be aired on ABC.
Before the game begins, here are three keys to victory for Alabama.
Improve the run defense
Alabama’s run defense has been an issue. The Crimson Tide ranks 14th out of 16 SEC teams in rushing defense, and Tennessee is fully capable of capitalizing.
Volunteer running back Dylan Sampson can make Alabama pay. Entering the week, he was second in the Football Bowl Subdivision in total touchdowns, with 15.
“He’s hard to bring to the ground.” Alabama defensive line coach Freddie Roach said Wednesday. “We have to do our job as far as fitting gaps, and when we have an opportunity to wrap him up, wrap him up and bring him to the ground.”
UT is best known for the potential explosiveness of Josh Heupel’s offense. However, the Volunteers rely more on the run this season, and if Alabama is going to prove itself as a playoff contender, it will need to learn to stop that element of the Tennessee attack.
Sustain drives
Alabama’s offense has built a reputation as a bit feast or famine this season. The Crimson Tide can score on the explosive plays, but can’t always sustain drives.
Tennessee’s offense is one play away at all times. Keeping the ball out of its hands would be a big boost to the Tide, and allow its defense to rest up.
Obviously scoring fast, splashy touchdowns isn’t a bad thing. Alabama should continue to do that, especially if it can get Ryan Williams as involved as he was in the win over Georgia.
However, if it can extend the rest of its drives, the offense will be much improved. Maybe the Tide could even give Graham Nicholson a chance to try just his third field goal of the season.
Get Jalen Milroe rolling
The key to the drill offensively for Alabama is Jalen Milroe. The quarterback didn’t have his best showing last week against South Carolina, but the Tennessee game is an opportunity for a big game against a top defense.
If Milroe balls out against the Volunteers, it’d be a boost to his Heisman Trophy campaign. It would also give Alabama its best chance to win Saturday’s game.
Milroe will have his stable of receivers at full strength for Saturday, with Kendrick Law and Kobe Prentice both off the availability report, and presumably ready to go. Law especially can help Milroe, offering a forceful presence in the run blocking arena.
Tennessee’s defense is stout. However, this is a chance for Milroe to show he’s among the sport’s elite, and lead Alabama to a victory in Knoxville.
