Alabama Preview: Season defining matchup in Knoxville for the Third Saturday in October
Will the Tide or Vols rise to the occasion and keep their SEC title dreams alive?
By: Dave in Tuscaloosa
The stakes could not be higher for this year’s chapter of the Third Saturday in October, pitting two teams that are looking to right the ship after two straight weeks of below average performances. The 7th ranked Crimson Tide invade Knoxville to take on the 11th ranked Tennessee Volunteers in a matchup where the loser, most likely, will be eliminated from playoff consideration. Kickoff is set for 3:30 EST and will air on ABC.
After strong starts, both teams have slid backwards the last two games. Alabama was sitting on top of the college football world after toppling Georgia in a thriller on September 29th. It all came crashing down the next week as an unranked Vanderbilt shocked the Tide in Nashville. Bama followed the loss with a shaky victory last week over South Carolina. Likewise, the Vols won their first four games before being upset at Arkansas. Last week, Florida brought Tennessee to the wire before the Vols prevailed in overtime. Both teams sit 5-1 overall and 2-1 in the conference. Due to their losses, there is no margin of error for either team.
Head coach Josh Heupel’s Tennessee Volunteers boast one of the most dynamic offenses in the country statistically. Led by dual threat quarterback Nico Iamaleava, the unit ranks 9th nationally and is putting up an average of 42 points per game. Iamaleava, who is shifty and mobile in the pocket, has completed 66.7% of his passes and has seven touchdowns against three interceptions. His favorite target is Squirrel White, who is averaging 11.5 yards on 20 receptions. The Vols boast a strong offensive line that opens running lanes for their backfield. Dylan Sampson is a dynamic back who is averaging 5.9 yards per carry, and he has scored an impressive 15 touchdowns so far this season. Reliable kicker Max Gilbert is 11-12 on the year with a long kick of 45 yards. The offense has been overshadowed by an aggressive Vol defense that ranks second in the country, giving up a mere 229 yards and 12 points per game.
Following a legend is virtually impossible, and despite mounting heat over his team’s average performances the past two weeks, Bama Coach Kalen DeBoer faces the stiffest road test of his young Tide career this weekend. Even though Alabama’s offensive statistics lag a bit behind Tennessee’s, the Tide also boasts an explosive unit that is capable of putting up points. The Tide averages 442 yards and 41 points per game. Despite an average, by his standards, game last week against the Gamecocks, dynamic quarterback Jalen Milroe has completed 72% of his passes and has thrown for 12 touchdowns against four interceptions. He’s also a powerful runner as Milroe has rushed for 11 touchdowns on the ground. Backs Jam Miller and Justice Haynes have the potential to be game breakers, but have yet to break out. The duo’s carry total is lower than expected so far, yet they have rushed for a combined 8 touchdowns.
Receivers Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard lead a banged up receiving corps, as veterans Kobe Prentice and Kendrick Law have been sidelined with injuries, yet are hopeful to return on Saturday against the Vols. The Bama line has been hot and cold this year, and this unit needs to get hot, and stay hot, if the Tide are to press the talented Volunteer defense. Kicker Graham Nicholson has only attempted two field goals this season, hitting one. Steady punter James Burnip has been a real weapon for the Tide, pinning opponents deep in their territory throughout the season. Bama’s major struggles during the recent two game stretch has been their defense. Due to breakdowns and poor tackling, the Tide defense has struggled to get off the field in key third down situations. Starting with the second half of the Georgia game when the Dawgs were a perfect five for five on fourth down, Vanderbilt and South Carolina had great success against the Bama defense on third down, going a combined 19-33. Currently, the Alabama defense ranks 55th in the nation, surrendering 20.8 points per game.
With so much at stake, home field advantage will certainly play a part in this one. Vols and Bama fans alike remember the last time the two met in Knoxville. The 2022 game was a true classic as Tennessee broke a 15-year losing streak when they hit a field goal as time expired to top Bryce Young and the Tide, 52-49. Offensively, both squads have the capability to move the ball, and Tennessee’s steady running game gives them an edge against Alabama’s defense. The Vol defense has played admirably all year while the Bama D needs to turn things around and play the way they did earlier in the season, most notably the first half against Georgia. If the Tide stop troops continue to play poorly the way they have for the last 10 quarters, Rocky Top will once again be the sight of a massive celebration due to Tennessee’s second victory over Bama in the last three years. This one should be tight, but ultimately, the home team regains momentum and tops the Tide again in Knoxville.
Tennessee 30
Alabama 21
