nicksjuzunk
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This week, the Vols hit the road and travel to a land filled with darkness, chaos and despair. Trolls nab napping babies from their cribs and turds leap from the earth and kamikaze the faces of unsuspecting passerby's. Yes... we're going to Alabama. Slowly but surely, Bama is no longer the Bama of old, and Tennessee is not the Tennessee of the last 15 years. The field may not be level, but the peaks and valleys are not as high and on any given Saturday, they can appear dang near even.
Keys to Victory:
1. Battle Behind Center: JM has had a rough year. In spite of having a world of talent, it just hasn't seemed to come together. Sure, there have been flashes, but there has been glaring inconsistency and the rumbling of fans wanting the next man up. The fact is, he has to be consistent in this game if he is going to get the victory. He doesn't have to do everything, but he can't be the reason they lose. Wait... who was I talking about again? Joe Mixon? Jalen Milroe? ... Yes.
These two quarterbacks share remarkable similarities in different areas, but are worlds apart in others. Milroe connects on more deep balls and is dynamic in the running game, but strangely takes more sacks than a whole cul-de-sac sac of dads trick-or-treating with their kids. We know how Joe is. He must pass for at least 175 yards to keep the defense honest. It's time for a deep ball or two. We know Heupel can scheme that open against Bama. Jalin Hyatt says "hi". Milroe has been less effective in the run game recently and some think that he is a bit beat up and protecting himself or unable to scramble as he did earlier in the season. When it comes down to Mixon vs. Milroe, whoever has the better play gives their team a decisive edge that only turnovers can equalize.
2. Defensive Line: For Tennessee, the key is to pressure, contain, and bring Milroe down. He can't escape for 20 yard gains and he can't pick up 3rd and long with his legs. Tennessee will likely be fighting a crimson tinted whistle all night and good luck getting more than 1.5 holding calls, regardless of what actually happens on the field. On the flip-side, the main concern for the Tide is slowing down Jaylen Wright. They will not be able to do that, because he is a beast-man who scored against Purdue (never forget) and doesn't give a damn about the whole state of Alabama. Tennessee needs to rush for over 200 against a Tide defense that is only giving up 105.3. Tough ask... but it can be done.
3. Turnovers: Tight game. Can't win if you are on the wrong side of this. Alabama is +.43 in turnover margin this year. The Vols are +.17. Tennessee needs to find themselves +2 here.
4. Dee: Nick Saban would likely kill the nearest human if Dee laid his hands on a punt or kick, but if Dee did happen to... it would be a good thing.
Prediction: I've seen all of the Tennessee football this year, and I've not seen a complete, 4 quarter game well executed yet. I'm not looking for perfection, but entire quarters have gotten lost in the Bermuda Triangle. Sorry folks, but you can't beat Bama with your best 3 quarters of football, and I'm not sure we get even our best 3 quarters at this point. Solid game, but unless you see Milton outplay Milroe, 200 rushing yards and +2 in the turnover margin...
Bama 24
Vols 20
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