nicksjuzunk
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The Vols head south-west this week, after a timely bye week. The team should be refreshed and energized after a thrilling signature win for Coach Butch Jones against UGA in their previous contest.
For Tennessee fans, there are two programs at the top of the "hate list". Depending on who you ask, Florida and Alabama are hands down the most satisfying wins... and dreaded losses. This week, let's see how the Vols stack up against the burgundy team.
Keys to Victory:
1. Ground Henry: Derrick Henry is a big back and he gets a lot of yards. The fact is, Jake Coker is pretty pedestrian as a QB, in the classic Bama mold of "Game manager." Henry is averaging 6 yards per carry, and the TN defense is pretty pedestrian nationally, allowing 4.61 YPC and 170 YPG. If the Vols front 7 come in refreshed and can limit the effectiveness of the Bama running game, Kiffin may be tempted to abandon the running game. If that happens, hopefully the Vol secondary is ready.
2. Run DHK: Dobbs, Hurd, & Kamara need to carry this game. Typically, Alabama has more trouble with mobile QB's. Last year, Dobbs came in against Bama as a 3rd string QB, and took off for 75 yards. He passed for a reasonable 192 and a couple of TD's as well. This week, we need mobile Dobbs. He must be able to take off and get 75+ yards to keep the defense honest and to open up the passing game. He also must be the first TN QB in 4 years to actually begin, and finish the game... if memory is correct.
Hurd and Kamara need to be effective. Look for Hurd to bash up the middle for a ton of 2-3 yard gains. It won't be pretty, but it is needed. Hopefully, he and Kamara can exploit the edges with their speed to open up the middle running lanes. We all know that Kamara is going to have a chip on his shoulder for this game. I would not be surprised to see a half-back pass.
3. Fresh Offense: At this point, the pressure is off for Tennessee. They've lost some games, and barring an epic collapse for Florida, they will miss the SEC Championship game. They have also won a big game, and made key adjustments to secure the victory. A win here is a huge statement, but a loss is not nearly as devastating as if they had lost to UGA. I would like to see the playbook opened up... a little trickery... some things we haven't seen. If the coaches come in loose, and they take some chances, they just may be able to cash in.
4. Jake Choker: The DL needs to get pressure, and the secondary needs to get some interceptions. Turnovers are key in a game like this, and TN needs to be on the + side.
5. Catch 'em lookin': Alabama is coming off of a pretty big win against an undefeated A&M team, and have LSU after next week's bye week. They should be tired, and they will hopefully be looking forward to their contest vs. LSU. If the Vols can get Bama off-guard, they can take advantage.
Prediction: I think Bama is probably worn down, but they also have superior depth, and talent across the board. Tennessee will come in fresh, and if they can take their chances and stick around, they have a shot in this one. Unfortunately, I think it's a year early, and the Vols just don't have the mustard to win this game... though they just may do it anyways.
TN 20
Bama 34
For Tennessee fans, there are two programs at the top of the "hate list". Depending on who you ask, Florida and Alabama are hands down the most satisfying wins... and dreaded losses. This week, let's see how the Vols stack up against the burgundy team.
Keys to Victory:
1. Ground Henry: Derrick Henry is a big back and he gets a lot of yards. The fact is, Jake Coker is pretty pedestrian as a QB, in the classic Bama mold of "Game manager." Henry is averaging 6 yards per carry, and the TN defense is pretty pedestrian nationally, allowing 4.61 YPC and 170 YPG. If the Vols front 7 come in refreshed and can limit the effectiveness of the Bama running game, Kiffin may be tempted to abandon the running game. If that happens, hopefully the Vol secondary is ready.
2. Run DHK: Dobbs, Hurd, & Kamara need to carry this game. Typically, Alabama has more trouble with mobile QB's. Last year, Dobbs came in against Bama as a 3rd string QB, and took off for 75 yards. He passed for a reasonable 192 and a couple of TD's as well. This week, we need mobile Dobbs. He must be able to take off and get 75+ yards to keep the defense honest and to open up the passing game. He also must be the first TN QB in 4 years to actually begin, and finish the game... if memory is correct.
Hurd and Kamara need to be effective. Look for Hurd to bash up the middle for a ton of 2-3 yard gains. It won't be pretty, but it is needed. Hopefully, he and Kamara can exploit the edges with their speed to open up the middle running lanes. We all know that Kamara is going to have a chip on his shoulder for this game. I would not be surprised to see a half-back pass.
3. Fresh Offense: At this point, the pressure is off for Tennessee. They've lost some games, and barring an epic collapse for Florida, they will miss the SEC Championship game. They have also won a big game, and made key adjustments to secure the victory. A win here is a huge statement, but a loss is not nearly as devastating as if they had lost to UGA. I would like to see the playbook opened up... a little trickery... some things we haven't seen. If the coaches come in loose, and they take some chances, they just may be able to cash in.
4. Jake Choker: The DL needs to get pressure, and the secondary needs to get some interceptions. Turnovers are key in a game like this, and TN needs to be on the + side.
5. Catch 'em lookin': Alabama is coming off of a pretty big win against an undefeated A&M team, and have LSU after next week's bye week. They should be tired, and they will hopefully be looking forward to their contest vs. LSU. If the Vols can get Bama off-guard, they can take advantage.
Prediction: I think Bama is probably worn down, but they also have superior depth, and talent across the board. Tennessee will come in fresh, and if they can take their chances and stick around, they have a shot in this one. Unfortunately, I think it's a year early, and the Vols just don't have the mustard to win this game... though they just may do it anyways.
TN 20
Bama 34
