I just can't agree Alabama has that edge............

[901 Orange]

Bama will be prepared for our one dimensional offense. They will sell out on the run and force Heupel to call more of the pass game and more importantly force Joe to actually make the reads and throws. Joe has not by any means shown he is capable of doing that consistently. As many vol fans have said and come to realize.. Joe has zero situational game awareness.. cannot make the quick decisive read and decision... and can't be trusted to throw the ball across the middle of the field bc god knows where it's actually going to go. He's a handicap to this offense and he's not about to magically turn the corner in a rowdy Tuscaloosa Bryant Denny Stadium.

I see someone hasn't been paying attention to our scheme. There is a reason all the teams we played didn't do what you're suggesting. Our scheme dictates the box. It's simple math. If you have 2 WR's outside the numbers on both sides, that automatically takes 4 guys out of the box. That leaves 7 guys. No responsible DC would ever go 0 coverage (no Saftey) for an entire game. So that leaves 6 guys the majority of the time. It's a numbers game and if 1 guy misses a tackle or gap assignment, its a big play. The only 2 ways to stop them from running is if you can beat 5 with 4 or by getting a big lead. Being able to run the ball, play strong defense, and being good on Special Teams has been a winning football formula forever. As long as you don't turn it over you'll be in every game you play.

 

[CPVOL]

Turnovers and take the points. Win turnover margin. Kick field goals and take the 3 bc I think this is gonna be another AtM type game when points are scarce

 

[tricky13]

Tennessee traditionally struggles to stop running QBs, as do most teams.
Milroe can toss it deep. UTs dbs have struggled.
The game is on the road in Tuscaloosa.
Jimbo chokes alot, Saban not so much

It will take UTs best game to win on the road in bamaville and win back to back games against the redtide.

Milroe hasn’t been running much since he pulled his hamstring a couple weeks ago… just getting sacked a lot.

 

[hardyemt_p]

All I've read online is how they have the edge, but what I see when comparing Tennessee and Alabama games this year that I have watched, is Tennessee defense better than anyone in the country, a qb limiting his mistakes, and a running back core that is second to none. Compared to what I see of Alabama, is an old man, probably coaching too long by now, throwing a hissy fit when his qb messes up, then I see the qb running just like a running back, because Saban wants the victory at any cost. We shut down the qb running or keep it in check, we win. We can do that, no doubt.

It's a crap shoot, there's gonna be some big plays for both teams. To me it's going to come down to the penalties that's called and not called.

 

[volfan2024]

WE beat him back to back, the hot seat isn't too far away ....

 

[GetYouSomeofThat]

Idgaf catch the damn ball. The A&M game was bad I agree. They also have very little seperation. They do not run good routes and hands are sh1t at best. However they collectively have dropped 20 passes that could have been caught. They need to be catching at least 75% of those. Thats probably 400 more yards and at least 4 tds.Also do you consider some of the over throws are because Keyton does not run his full route. Yeah pal watch the half assed efforts to run routes before telling me about Milton

I totally agree that JMs lack of production is equally on poor execution of the WRs. IMO JM is a better qb than it appears to some, not a great qb, but a good one.

Based on the limited amount of time we have seen Nimrod, i do think he may have a big game or two by seasons end.

 

[ColinS]

I think we'd win in Knoxville. Less confident in Tuscaloosa.

Yeah, we have struggled to even get the ball snapped in recent road games. Till that stuff changes I'm not confident we win any road games.

 

[Mccage]

They have it. It's called depth. They've spent over a decade building it all the way down to the water boy. They are struggling this year. They are having issues across the board. But they are still winning. They have the talent to pull guys off the bench and not have a drop off in performance. we are 4-5 years away to having what they have. That's not a criticism. It's a fact. Wins lead to more wins. We have one of the hardest mountains to climb. AL, GA, and FL on our schedule every year. Considering how low the program was 3 years ago, it's unbelievable where we are today. But the path before us is still long. Can we win this game? absolutely. We HAVE to win this game to keep ourselves in the national recruiting picture. That FL loss was hard to take. But we don't win this game unless Milton actually has a performance like he did against Clemson. Anything short of that and we lose big.

Did we have it last year?

 

[BradstarVols]

They have it. It's called depth. They've spent over a decade building it all the way down to the water boy. They are struggling this year. They are having issues across the board. But they are still winning. They have the talent to pull guys off the bench and not have a drop off in performance. we are 4-5 years away to having what they have. That's not a criticism. It's a fact. Wins lead to more wins. We have one of the hardest mountains to climb. AL, GA, and FL on our schedule every year. Considering how low the program was 3 years ago, it's unbelievable where we are today. But the path before us is still long. Can we win this game? absolutely. We HAVE to win this game to keep ourselves in the national recruiting picture. That FL loss was hard to take. But we don't win this game unless Milton actually has a performance like he did against Clemson. Anything short of that and we lose big.

I totally disagree. I think much of Tennessee's success this year is due to talent and depth. But, we will see on Saturday.

 

[BradstarVols]

Tennessee can win this game easily

 

[HarderKnox59]

Texas A&M is being coached by a boob. Can't say the same for Alabama.

A&M has two boobs. One was calling the plays in the skybox.

 

[Volwonder1]

Tennessee running game is the difference. Add in the best front 7 in the SEC I like our chances GBO!

I also think if we can get to even 75% of what the run game has averaged this year it would go a very long way in winning this third Saturday of October

 

[FLVOL_79]

This team ain't good on the road. Enough said.

 

[strkr]

Idgaf catch the damn ball. The A&M game was bad I agree. They also have very little seperation. They do not run good routes and hands are sh1t at best. However they collectively have dropped 20 passes that could have been caught. They need to be catching at least 75% of those. Thats probably 400 more yards and at least 4 tds.Also do you consider some of the over throws are because Keyton does not run his full route. Yeah pal watch the half assed efforts to run routes before telling me about Milton

Agree it is not all on Milton as like you stated above we have had wr's drop balls. Our passing game needs to improve wr's catching and Joe making better decisions. Show up this Saturday and play well at turd.

 

[LibertyVol]

Tennessee running game is the difference. Add in the best front 7 in the SEC I like our chances GBO!

If Milton plays well, Tennessee wins. He doesn’t play well, Tennessee loses.

 

[Peyton_ManThing]

I see someone hasn't been paying attention to our scheme. There is a reason all the teams we played didn't do what you're suggesting. Our scheme dictates the box. It's simple math. If you have 2 WR's outside the numbers on both sides, that automatically takes 4 guys out of the box. That leaves 7 guys. No responsible DC would ever go 0 coverage (no Saftey) for an entire game. So that leaves 6 guys the majority of the time. It's a numbers game and if 1 guy misses a tackle or gap assignment, its a big play. The only 2 ways to stop them from running is if you can beat 5 with 4 or by getting a big lead. Being able to run the ball, play strong defense, and being good on Special Teams has been a winning football formula forever. As long as you don't turn it over you'll be in every game you play.

No doubt I understand our scheme.. and much of the presnap alignment by the defense dictates run or pass.. but understand this NOTHING we have done this year offensively would suggest Milton or the WR's are capable of consistently playing throw and catch. Saban will make Joe and the WR's prove they can beat their DB's before he sits back and lets us gash them with the run.

 

[BigALWiLson]

No doubt I understand our scheme.. and much of the presnap alignment by the defense dictates run or pass.. but understand this NOTHING we have done this year offensively would suggest Milton or the WR's are capable of consistently playing throw and catch. Saban will make Joe and the WR's prove they can beat their DB's before he sits back and lets us gash them with the run.

Yes WR have to run clean routes and be where they are supposed to be. Joe has to deliver the ball in the correct window. They have to catch it. If they can do that and keep the defense honest, they will win this game. Our guys need to win some 50/50 balls.

 

[Peyton_ManThing]

His WRs need to do their part in catching the ball when their is an opportunity to do so. I wish people would go and look at the drops this season and account for every one of those and what his stats would be if they had made the catch. These are WR in the best conference in college football for the last 20 plus years. Make the catch and maybe the QB has more trust. Those guys need to do better just like Milton. It's not just the QB

There is a reason this coaching staff has called 1,000 bubble screens this season.. because its the only quick pass Joe can remotely complete on a regular basis. There is a reason they aren't running many slants or routes across middle of field. Joe flat out can not consistently throw an accurate ball. The only thing consistent about his slant has been it's either behind the Wr or sailed over their head. Passes that you simply can't have when running those routes. Granted I do agree about it not just being Joe.. Wr's haven't exactly been consistent either but main issue is Joe and it's not even close.

 

[Cartervol]

Can't lose the game in the first half like the Florida game. Got to weather the early storm better this time.

 

[Peyton_ManThing]

So Texas A&M.was surprised by our offense? Thier coaches didn't know how to prepare?

How about they couldn't do anything about our run game and neither will alibubba. Tennessee wins this one.

I hope you're right.. Nothing I want more than to watch UT actually win a rowdy game on the road in the Tuscaloosa. Jimbo is not Saban though. Saban will not sit back and watch us gash them for 230 rushing yards. If we are having success on the ground like that Saban will 100% put a stop to it and make Joe and the WR's do something they haven't done consistently all year.. play throw and catch. This is Joe's 3rd year in the system and 6th yr of college football and its obvious at this point he has nothing to offer besides a ridiculously strong arm.

 

[CAVPUT]

When I look at this game, I don't see the usual talent discrepancies. Under different circumstances, I think we can be very competitive with bama with this roster. For me, it comes down to how well we can play on the road and which QB has the better game. I want to give UT the advantage in one or both, but I just can't. This team has yet to perform on the road in this conference. And let's be honest, if you had to pick one of those QBs to hang your hat on in a one game season, who would you choose based on everything you've seen so far this year? My pick, unfortunately, would be Milroe. Milton's decisions and play have been questionable playing in front of the home folks. I shudder at the thought of him in front of the folks in Tuscaloosa. Milroe has the wheels and a deep ball. Given our secondary play/tackling(at times), I consider that to be a potential mismatch. Another concern is our maturity and play under pressure. I know this will sound like I'm picking on Milton, but I don't think he's a mentally tough player. When the pressure mounts, I don't think he handles it well. The last time we won in that stadium was with the Ice Man. Joe Milton ain't that kind of cat. Not even close. Then there's the Hadden factor. This is exactly the kind of game that worries me with him. Stages like this sometimes get a guy like Hadden going into business for himself. Just hope he's matured and has finally put that side of his game to rest once and for all.

Having said all that, this team has exceeded my expectations. Thrilled to be 5-1 with this bunch, and I have no nerves heading into Saturday. There's no pressure, zero, nada on UT vs bama at Tuscaloosa this year. No one expects us to win and being an almost 10 pt dog only confirms how this game is viewed. OTOH, bama has all and I mean ALL the pressure on them. It's nothing short of a must win for Saban and the tide. Might sound like wishful thinking, but there are some cracks in the bama/saban program. They've been losing ground to UGA who've become the dominant program in the SEC. To lose a home game against this UT team might create a real fracture between saban and that fanbase. It would warm my old heart to know that a loss to UT was the brick that shattered that glass for saban. While I don't expect it, stranger things have happened.

 

[TNinSC]

I put this in another thread as well. Comparison of stats between Tennessee and Bama...

*Disclaimer: Tennessee has played 6 games. Alabama has played 7 games
Threw in stats vs Texas A&M for comparisons…

QB COMPARISON
Milton: 1,264 yards … 10 td … 4 int …. 173 rushing yards … 4 td
-VS A&M: 11/22 … 199 yards … 1 td … 1 int … sacked 3x … 34 rushing yards … 0 td
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Milroe: 1,397 yards … 11 td… 4 int… 139 rushing yards…5 td
-VS A&M: 21/33 … 321 yards… 2td… 0 int… sacked 5x … -31 rushing yards … 1 rush td
***********************************
RB COMPARISON
J. Wright: 571 yds … 1 td … avg 7.1 yards a carry
-VS A&M: 136 yards…0 td
J. Small: 359 yds…2 td … avg 5.5 yards a carry
-VS A&M: 42 yards…0 td
D. Sampson: 273 yds… 6 td … 6.1 yards a carry
-VS A&M: 25 yards … 0 td
-----------------------------------------------------------------
J. McClellan: 454 yards… 3 td … 4.8 yards a carry
-VS A&M: 12 yards … 0 td
R. Williams: 319 yards … 1 td … 5.2 yards a carry
-VS A&M: 9 yards … 0 td
J. Miller: 55 yards … 0 td … 4.2 yards a carry
***********************************
RECEIVING COMPARISON
S. White: 305 yards … 0 td
R. Keyton: 230 yards… 3 td
M. Castles (TE) : 124 yards .. 1 td
D. Thorton: yards … 0 td
D. Sampson (RB) … 89 yards.. 1 td
J. Warren (TE)… 61 yards … 3 td
-----------------------------------------------------------------
J. Burton: 446 yards … 4 td
I. Bond: 283 yards … 2 td
A Niblack (TE): 213 yards ... 3 td
M. Benson: 74 yards … 0 td
J. McClellan (RB): 66 yards … 0td
-----------------------------------------------------------------
DEFENSE COMPARISON
Tennessee: 1,818 Yards Allowed… 11 TD allowed … 303 Average Yards allowed… 24 sacks … 6 int … 2 forced fumbles … 2 fumbles recovered
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Bama: 2,041 Yards Allowed … 12 TD allowed … 291.6 Average Yards allowed … 26 sacks … 7 int … 6 forced fumbles … 2 fumbles recovered

 

[aRmo]

milton and the receivers are due a breakout game.... right? ......?

We been saying this for weeks. Still hasnt happend yet. At this point, expect that it wont and IF it does it will be a shock to all of us. Our defense, Special Teams, Run Game will all play well enough to get the W. Our QB/WR play will determine the game imo. But i dont see Alabama's Jalen Milroe any better than Joe Milton. He is sporadic, not accurate on the intermediate throws. He is dangerous if he decides to run but other than that he is avg at best. If you slap a different brand on their helmet other than Alabama this would be a pickem game imo. They are getting the Nod be cause of who they are, not because of how they are playing.

 

[UTFranklinVol]

All I've read online is how they have the edge, but what I see when comparing Tennessee and Alabama games this year that I have watched, is Tennessee defense better than anyone in the country, a qb limiting his mistakes, and a running back core that is second to none. Compared to what I see of Alabama, is an old man, probably coaching too long by now, throwing a hissy fit when his qb messes up, then I see the qb running just like a running back, because Saban wants the victory at any cost. We shut down the qb running or keep it in check, we win. We can do that, no doubt.

Alabama will definitely have the edge with the home crowd or at the very least with all the refs paid off. Even if UT is the better "team" Bama will still have the edge. And I would respectfully disagree that we have the best defense in the country. I don't think we have played a tough enough team yet to be able to say that with any kind of confidence.

 

[UTFranklinVol]

I put this in another thread as well. Comparison of stats between Tennessee and Bama...

*Disclaimer: Tennessee has played 6 games. Alabama has played 7 games
Threw in stats vs Texas A&M for comparisons…

QB COMPARISON
Milton: 1,264 yards … 10 td … 4 int …. 173 rushing yards … 4 td
-VS A&M: 11/22 … 199 yards … 1 td … 1 int … sacked 3x … 34 rushing yards … 0 td
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Milroe: 1,397 yards … 11 td… 4 int… 139 rushing yards…5 td
-VS A&M: 21/33 … 321 yards… 2td… 0 int… sacked 5x … -31 rushing yards … 1 rush td
***********************************
RB COMPARISON
J. Wright: 571 yds … 1 td … avg 7.1 yards a carry
-VS A&M: 136 yards…0 td
J. Small: 359 yds…2 td … avg 5.5 yards a carry
-VS A&M: 42 yards…0 td
D. Sampson: 273 yds… 6 td … 6.1 yards a carry
-VS A&M: 25 yards … 0 td
-----------------------------------------------------------------
J. McClellan: 454 yards… 3 td … 4.8 yards a carry
-VS A&M: 12 yards … 0 td
R. Williams: 319 yards … 1 td … 5.2 yards a carry
-VS A&M: 9 yards … 0 td
J. Miller: 55 yards … 0 td … 4.2 yards a carry
***********************************
RECEIVING COMPARISON
S. White: 305 yards … 0 td
R. Keyton: 230 yards… 3 td
M. Castles (TE) : 124 yards .. 1 td
D. Thorton: yards … 0 td
D. Sampson (RB) … 89 yards.. 1 td
J. Warren (TE)… 61 yards … 3 td
-----------------------------------------------------------------
J. Burton: 446 yards … 4 td
I. Bond: 283 yards … 2 td
A Niblack (TE): 213 yards ... 3 td
M. Benson: 74 yards … 0 td
J. McClellan (RB): 66 yards … 0td
-----------------------------------------------------------------
DEFENSE COMPARISON
Tennessee: 1,818 Yards Allowed… 11 TD allowed … 303 Average Yards allowed… 24 sacks … 6 int … 2 forced fumbles … 2 fumbles recovered
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Bama: 2,041 Yards Allowed … 12 TD allowed … 291.6 Average Yards allowed … 26 sacks … 7 int … 6 forced fumbles … 2 fumbles recovered

Good snapshot. Also worth pointing out Bama has had a much harder schedule to this point having played Texas and Ole Miss along with A&M. Their current strength of schedule is 10 vs Tennessee at 88.

Tennessee is going to be really tested for the first time this year IMO.