In a Heap of Damn Trouble?
Tide Visits Vols as “Third Saturday in October” Glory Returns.
By: Dave in Tuscaloosa
Tennessee would sure love to get those braggin’ rights back. Image via @pinterest
Last season, I wrote about a time in 1980 when I attended an Alabama-Rutgers football game in Giants Stadium. The top-ranked Tide eked out a 17-13 victory over the Scarlet Nights on that rainy afternoon, and would travel to Tennessee the next week. When leaving the stadium, I overheard a Bama fan talking about the trip to Knoxville, saying that we were in a “heap of damn trouble”. Bear Bryant’s Tide would have a day against the Vols, toppling Tennessee 27-0. I would have to say that Bama fans would certainly take a similar result this Saturday as the 3rd ranked Crimson Tide visits a dangerous and hot 6th ranked Volunteers squad. Based on last week’s escape against Texas A&M and questions surrounding whether or not Bryce Young will even play in this one, it is safe to say that Alabama could very well be in a heap of damn trouble in Knoxville.
Tennessee enters the “Third Saturday in October” match 5-0, boasting impressive victories over Pittsburgh, Florida, and a rout over LSU in Baton Rouge last week, 40-13. The offense is riding on an orange wave of confidence led by senior quarterback Hendon Hooker and is the nation's most prolific unit. On the season, the Vol are averaging 547 yards and 46.8 points per game. In addition, they are converting 44.8% of their third downs. Hooker has been brilliant, completing 70% of his passes for 10 touchdowns against no interceptions. His favorite targets are Jalin Hyatt and Bru McCoy, yet the Vols most dangerous receiver, senior Cedric Tillman, has been sidelined with an ankle injury but could be ready for action against the Tide. Behind a solid offensive line and tailbacks Jaylen Wright and Jabarri Small, the Vols can run the ball as well. Hooker ranks third on the team in rushing, averaging 5.1 yards per carry and he has three touchdowns on the ground. Kicker Chase McGrath is 8 for 10 on the season with a long of 52 yards. Defensively, the Vols have performed better than expected, but still are not considered an elite unit. They currently rank 86th in the nation, surrendering an average of 396.6 yards and 17.8 points per game. Linebacker Aaron Beasley (35 tackles) and defensive lineman Byron Young (3.5 sacks) lead a solid front, yet the secondary is vulnerable and has been inconsistent.
All eyes are on whether or not Tide quarterback Bryce Young’s shoulder will be well enough to play against the Vols, and if he cannot go, the Tide could be in trouble. Backup Jalen Milroe is talented, yet played tight in last week’s A&M thriller. He coughed up the ball twice, threw an interception, and did not show that he is, at this stage of his development, a threat passing the ball. Meanwhile, Young is having a terrific season, completing 67.2% of his passes for 14 touchdowns to 3 interceptions. His receiving corps has been inconsistent, yet they do have weapons, most notably Traeshon Holen, Ja’Corey Brooks, and Jermaine Burton. The best receiver on the team may be tailback Jahmyr Gibbs, who has 22 receptions on the season and has scored 3 touchdowns through the air. Louisville transfer Tyler Harrell has been tagged as the much-needed deep threat for the Tide, but due to injury has yet to play. He may make his debut against the Vols. The Tide ground game is strong and has come to life in the last few weeks. Leading the way is Gibbs, who is coming off a 154 yard performance against Texas A&M and is averaging 8.3 yards a carry. Supporting Gibbs is Jace McClellan, who is in the doghouse after a costly fumble last week, but is still averaging 6.4 yards per carry and has three touchdowns on the season.
Similar to Hooker, Young is a mobile quarterback, averaging 8.6 yards per carry on the ground and he has three rushing touchdowns to his name so far this season. Kicker Will Reichard uncharacteristically missed two crucial field goals last week that kept A&M in the game, but overall has had a strong season missing only three of his 10 attempts with a long of 52 yards. Special teams have been a positive for the Tide (outside the third quarter of the Arkansas game), and punt returner Kool-Aid McKinstry has become a lethal weapon for Bama, averaging close to 20 yards per return. The Tide defense has bailed out the offense in both close games this year (Texas, Texas A&M) but has a tall task ahead of them trying to slow down the potent Vol offense. They do rank 6th nationally, surrendering 250.8 yards and 12.5 points per game. Anchored by linebackers Henry To’oTo’o (39 tackles), Will Anderrson (5 sacks), and Dallas Turner (2 sacks last week), the front seven continues to be the Bama D’s strength. The secondary has improved, but continues to be hit or miss. Corners Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold will be tested by Hooker and his receivers, and with safeties DeMarco Hellams, Brian Branch, and Jordan Battle having been prone to multiple holds and pass interference calls against passing teams throughout their careers, Saturday may be a long day for the Bama defense.
Last week, the Tide offense struggled under Milroe, and if Bryce Young cannot play, an already tall task will become more so for Alabama. Tennessee will welcome the Tide with an “Orange Out”, College Gameday will be in Knoxville, and this is possibly the biggest game for the Vols in many years. Tennessee’s fast-paced offense will give the stout Bama defense problems. The question is if Bama can score enough points to keep up with the Vols. If Bryce Young plays, and all indications point towards him playing, this could be a classic that goes well into the fourth quarter. Bama’s front seven will get pressure on Hooker, yet his elusiveness will keep the chains moving and will produce points. The Tide corners may not be able to slow the Volunteer attack enough for Bama to survive this one and get a 16th straight win over Tennessee in the series. Alabama could certainly rise to the occasion and play to a level they are capable of, yet there seems to be too much momentum on the orange side this time around. Rocky Top will be ringing in the ears of Tide fans until the SEC title game if they can get by Georgia, or for the next 365 days. Alabama may indeed be in a heap of damn trouble.
If Milroe plays:
Tennessee 35
Alabama 24
If Young plays:
Tennessee 37
Alabama 34