Three Keys To A Tennessee Victory Over Alabama

Image: Emma Ramsey/Tennessee Athletics

By Aidan Sidoti

There’s officially one more day until kickoff of The Third Saturday in October and Tennessee’s path to its first win in Tuscaloosa since 2003 is challenging but achievable.

Both teams enter Saturday night at 5-1, and for the Vols to leave Bryant-Denny with a statement victory, they’ll need to execute in three crucial areas. 

Establish the Run and Control the Clock

Yes, I know, “establish the run” is one of the most overused cliché’s in football. But let’s be real for a second, there is not a bigger game on this Tennessee schedule where they HAVE to be able to run the ball. 

If the Vols can’t control the line of scrimmage and chew up clock, they’re not winning in Tuscaloosa.

Tennessee ranks third in the SEC in rushing offense, averaging 210 yards per game. The Vols have leaned on their run game all season, and against an Alabama defense that’s giving up 156.7 rushing yards per contest (fourth-most in the SEC), the opportunity is there.

It’s not just about the yardage, Tennessee ranks second to last in the conference in time of possession, holding the ball for just 26:48 per game. Sustained drives will be key to keeping Ty Simpson off the field and preventing Alabama from controlling the tempo.

If DeSean Bishop, Star Thomas, Peyton Lewis, and the offensive line can control the trenches, Tennessee can control the game on the road.

Contain Ty Simpson

Alabama’s redshirt junior quarterback has been nearly flawless in his first season starting for the Tide, in six games the Tennessee native has thrown for 1,678 yards, 16 touchdowns, and just one interception. 

He is efficient, decisive, and extremely dangerous when given time to throw, and Tennessee’s secondary certainly can’t afford to let Simpson settle in the pocket.

The Vols have struggled against the pass (if the media hasn’t told you enough times already), allowing 257 yards per game, good for the most in the SEC. 

As Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard said “they give you a lot of yards.”

Look for defensive coordinator Tim Banks to dial up pressure and disguise coverages to keep Simpson uncomfortable.

Edge rushers Joshua Josephs, Tyre West, and Dominic Bailey must consistently collapse the pocket and disrupt Simpson’s timing.

Win The Turnover Battle

Tennessee has forced eleven turnovers this season, tied for third-most in the SEC.

That trend absolutely needs to continue Saturday.

Head coach Josh Heupel made that pretty clear talking to reporters Monday.

“We need to win the turnover battle, first of all,” Heupel said. “(Simpson) has been great with the football, been really sound in his decision making. You know for us, we have to go play assignment sound. You have to apply pressure to the quarterback—that's a part of creating turnovers. You have to do a great job of matching out and making plays on the back end too, and we have to put our helmet on the football, get some punches too and try to knock it out that way.”

Whether it’s a strip sack or a tipped ball, who the hell cares. Just find a way to flip possessions and capitalize.

Against a quarterback who rarely makes mistakes, the Vols will have to create their own.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium, with the game airing on ABC.