Tide Seek 15th Straight Win Over Resurgent Vols
Could this be the first time a Nick Saban coached Crimson Tide lose to Tennessee? Doubtful.
By: Dave in Tuscaloosa
The last Tennessee win over Alabama 10/21/2006….Illustration by Charlie Daniel, Knoxville News Sentinel
The rivalry between Alabama and Tennessee is known as the “Third Saturday in October” for its traditional placement on each team’s schedule, and the yearly battle remains one of the south’s very best. Yet ever since Nick Saban took over the reins in Tuscaloosa, Tennessee has yet to see a victory over their rivals. Only two games have been close...a 12-10 thriller that required two blocked field goal attempts to preserve the win in 2009 and a 19-14 decision in 2015, a game that Tennessee led late in the 4th quarter only to eventually succumb to Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry and the Tide. This season, the Vols have beaten the teams they should have beaten (Bowling Green, Tennessee Tech, Missouri, and South Carolina) and have played two of their toughest opponents close. 23rd ranked Pitt edged Tennessee 41-34 in September and last week, the 12th ranked Ole Miss Rebels held on for a thrilling 31-26 victory. The other loss was a 38-14 setback at Florida.
Under first year coach Josh Heupel, the Vols travel to Tuscaloosa on Saturday sitting at 4-3 (2-2 in SEC play) on the season and have shown the signs of life that fans of the orange and white have been dying for throughout the last decade and a half. Led by dynamic senior quarterback Hendon Hooker, the Vol’s uptempo offense currently ranks 16th in the nation, averaging 473 yards and 39.4 points per game. Hooker, a transfer from Virginia Tech, has completed 69% of his passes and has thrown for 14 touchdowns against just 1 interception. Just as impressive are his rushing stats, as he sits 2nd on the team averaging 4.4 yards per carry and 4 touchdowns on the ground.
Josh Heupel has been a breath of fresh air so far for Tennessee fans. Photo via Wade Payne, AP
Complementing the rushing attack, which ranks 6th best in the country averaging 249 yards on the ground per game, is junior tailback Tiyon Evans, who has scored 6 touchdowns and averages 6.7 yards per carry. On the receiving end, senior wideout Velus Jones Jr. leads the way averaging 15.5 yards on 28 receptions for 3 touchdowns. Junior running back Cedric Tillman has been a threat catching the ball out of the backfield, accounting for 23 receptions (12.8 yards per catch) and 3 touchdowns and senior receiver JaVonta Payton has also been impressive, averaging a whopping 22.8 yards per catch and 4 touchdowns. Senior placekicker Chase McGrath has had a nice season to this point, making 7 out of his 9 kicks with a long of 48 yards.
Defensively, the Vols rank 59th nationally, giving up 368 yards and 22 points per game. Junior linebacker Jeremy Banks leads the way with 48 tackles and 4.5 sacks. Junior defensive backs Jaylen McCollough and Warren Burrell have three interceptions each to lead the secondary. The Vol front seven have had success pressuring quarterbacks all year, and this could be a key if Tennessee is to pull off an upset of the Tide.
Meanwhile, 4th ranked 6-1 Alabama got back on track last week at Mississippi State, besting the Bulldogs 49-9 in their most complete game to date. Offensively, the unit ranks 12th nationally, averaging 482 yards and 45 points per game. Sophomore Heisman candidate quarterback Bryce Young continues to impress, completing 69% of his passes for 24 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. His receiving corps is deep and is led by juniors Jameson Williams (29 receptions, 20.2 yards per catch, 6 touchdowns) and John Metchie III (41-11.7-3). Senior tailback Brian Robinson Jr. is having a typical Bama back type of season, scoring 8 touchdowns and averaging 5.2 yards per carry. Placekicker Will Reichard continues to serve as a valuable weapon, hitting on 9 of 10 field goal attempts with a long of 51 yards. Defensively, the unit has had an up and down season, performing well one week and struggling the next. The Tide D ranks 18th nationally and is giving up 303 yards and 22 points per game. The Tide D is led by standout linebackers Will Anderson, who leads the team in sacks (7) and Tennessee transfer Henry To’oto’o (54 total tackles). The secondary remains an area of concern, although as a unit, they had a nice game last week against the Bulldogs.
The late, great Keith Jackson with blast from the past introducing the “Third Saturday in October” circa 1992.
Coach Heupel and the Vols are ravenous for a signature win, and a victory over the Tide would be the long awaited game changer that Orange Nation has been waiting for. Look for the Vols to play inspired ball and push the Alabama defense. Hooker is banged up from last week’s Ole Miss game, and remains a day to day decision. Michigan transfer Joe Milton is a capable backup. It will be interesting to see if the Bama defense shows up, and the Tide secondary needs to play as well as they did last week against Mississippi State and Will Rogers. Look for the Alabama offense to control the ball, much like it did against the Ole Miss Rebels, and wear down the Vol defense. Here's saying the Bama D has one of its better days, the O scores over 30 points for the 34th straight game, and the winning streak against Tennessee stretches to 15.
Alabama 45
Tennessee 20