Week 8 Preview: Tennessee vs. Alabama
Who? #4 Alabama Crimson Tide (6–1, 3–1) vs. Tennessee Volunteers (4–3, 2–2)
Where? Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
When? 7:00 PM ET, October 23, 2021
Series — Alabama leads 57–38–7 and has a 14 game win streak. Tennessee has not won in Tuscaloosa since 2003.
Spread — Alabama -25 (Caesar’s), Alabama with a 91.2% chance to win (FPI)
It’s the Third Saturday in October (even though it’s technically the fourth Saturday). That means another matchup between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Tennessee Volunteers.
Nick Saban and Co. have completely dominated the series recently, but that doesn’t extinguish the rivalry and bad blood between the two programs. This is a rivalry of streaks, with there being 16 distinct winning streaks of 2+ games between the two programs. If we were keeping count, Alabama has 7 streaks while the Vols have 9, but the Tide does tend to have the longer ones, resulting in the current record.
Tennessee is currently undefeated against Bama during Saban’s tenure, losing by an average of 26 points. Fitting that the line is around 25 with the Vols at Bryant-Denny.
The Volunteers will be facing one of the top offenses in the country yet again this season. Tennessee’s defense has completely surpassed expectations this season with improved play across the board that has been ranked in the top 25 of all defensive ratings. They showed a lot of grit last Saturday, holding one of the best offensive units in the country to 31 points. Unfortunately, there won’t be a break this week.
The Tide is led by Heisman candidate Bryce Young at quarterback, who has thrown for 2082 yards and 24 touchdowns. The sliver of good news? We shouldn’t see a whole lot of legwork from him. Young has 28 rushing attempts for -2 yards and no touchdowns. That doesn’t mean however that Offensive Coordinator Bill O’Brien won’t see if he can get Young to exploit the Tennessee defense in the way they were last Saturday. If the Vols’ D-line are able to get pressure and the secondary is able to shut down explosive plays, then Young will be forced to have to use his legs to make some plays.
Looking at Alabama’s loss to A&M, one of the ways the Aggies won that game was how they pressured Young. The A&M defense recorded 4 sacks and an interception, and held Bryce Young to his lowest completion percentage and passer rating of the season. UT has some pieces to be able to replicate this, but Young won’t be the only player to watch out for.
Brian Robinson Jr. is by far the feature back for the Tide, having notched 599 rushing yards and 8 rushing TDs, as well as 145 receiving yards and 2 touchdown receptions. He averages 5.2 yds/carry and after Bryce is responsible for the most yards and scoring on this team. Bama doesn’t have the receiving stars they have had recently, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a stable of talent. Jameson Williams and John Metchie are both major deep threats on this team and leading the Tide in receiving yards.
Tennessee’s offense will be looking quite banged up going into Alabama. As of today, Hendon Hooker is cleared for play, while Tiyon Evans and the Mays brothers’ status’ are up in the air. Heupel will likely keep their status questionable until game-time, as having some or all of those guys back will be a huge lift to this offense.
The Bama defense isn’t looking as dominant as a Nick Saban defense traditionally is, but this is still a Saban coached unit. They will be well coached, well disciplined, and overall faster and more talented. That said, there have still been holes.
Bama’s secondary can be taken advantage of. They’ve given up 250+ passing yards over the last two weeks to Texas A&M and Mississippi State. The problem will be Tennessee’s health. Getting back Hooker and both Mays brothers will give the Vols the best chance to take advantage of the secondary. However, if the Mays brothers can’t get healthy, then the quarterback situation may not make a difference without improved offensive protection against the Tide’s defensive line.
While the secondary could be labeled as “suspect” for Alabama, that’s not the case with their front seven. Their run defense is allowing only 90 yards/game and is rated the 5th best run defense in the country. While Small does serve as a solid back, Evans has just been more explosive this season. His status will not only have big implications on the run game, but also if it can bring some balance for the passing game as well. Cooper’s and Cade’s status will of course also be very important here as well.
Tennessee will be facing a massive challenge going into Tuscaloosa tonight. ESPN gives the Vols only an 8.8% chance to win, and that’s about the feel for most people. Even with a healthy roster, the Vols just don’t have the talent or depth to really hang with the Tide. Crazier things have happened, and there’s always a chance with the explosiveness this offense can showcase when healthy, but I don’t think there are any fans expecting it tonight, especially the staff here at VSPN.
Staff Picks
Ben Ashworth (7–0) —Alabama 48, Tennessee 16
Travis Hamilton (4–3) —Alabama 41, Tennessee 28
James Hines (4–3) — Alabama 49, Tennessee 21
Brian Johnson (4–2) — Alabama 52, Tennessee 14
Jack Pierce, Jr. (6–1) —Alabama 38, Tennessee 17
Dylan Vogel (6–1) — Alabama 45, Tennessee 24
Written by Dylan Vogel, Director of Writing at VSPN
