Tennessee at #1 Alabama. Nice write-up.

[voldawgforever]

The Nation is starting to recognize.


The Third Saturday in October rivalry ensues Saturday in Tuscaloosa, where the up-and-coming Vols lock helmets with #1 Alabama. The Tide have won six in a row during the Nick Saban era, but Tennessee will try to play spoiler.

Here’s what to watch for Saturday:

Related: Tennessee’s rock was painted Crimson

Pressuring the QB: Tennessee’s defensive line was disruptive against South Carolina, one of the better offensive lines in the SEC. The Vols nabbed five sacks and caused havoc in the Carolina backfield for much of the game. That has to continue against one of the more improving offensive line units in the SEC. Alabama has given up just seven sacks in seven games. Marlon Walls, Daniel McCullers and company have to once again be disruptive and win the line of scrimmage.

Cruising: Just how good is Alabama? They’ve been cruising since the second week of the season. Are they elite? They’re continually showing offensive and defensive improvement since the 42-spot Texas A&M put on the defense. The Tide have given up just 26 points in the other six games, good for a whopping 4.33 points per game. The offense has been methodically moving the ball up and down the field, and the improvement along the line of scrimmage is obvious. In turn, it’s helped the passing game and running game evolve. If they aren’t there already, Alabama is becoming elite.

Related: Saban tells fans to stay for the entire game or give your ticket away

Most improved team? Both Tennessee and Alabama have improved throughout the season. Obviously, the two are on different levels as far as depth and talent is concerned, but I’ve been impressed with both Nick Saban’s and Butch Jones’ jobs this season. Alabama didn’t impress many against Virginia Tech or Colorado State, but their game is evolving and the offense is gaining an identity over the last few weeks. This may be Saban’s best coaching job…ever. Similarly, the job Butch Jones has done this season shouldn’t be overlooked. The Vols still need two wins to go bowling, but against Oregon and Florida, Tennessee didn’t even look bowl worthy. That’s not the case anymore, and the improvement from Tennessee is obvious. And it starts with coaching.

Win the red zone: Both defenses have been good in the red zone. Alabama leads the SEC and the country, allowing teams to only attempt 11 plays in the red zone, and they’ve given up just five touchdowns. When teams are in the red zone against the Tide, they have to score touchdowns, not field goals. Similarly, Tennessee’s red zone defense has been strong. The Vols are third in the SEC, allowing teams to score just 73 percent of the time on 30 attempts. Capitalizing in the red zone will be key Saturday.

Butch Please: Tennessee is sold on their new coach. They bought in during the close overtime loss to Georgia, and their buy in was validated with the upset over South Carolina. Jones is putting together a big and very important recruiting class this season, and a bowl game only helps gain more traction. Jones already did something Derek Dooley never did – beat a ranked opponent. Jones has a program, tradition and history to sell, and winning six regular season games only helps that snowball effect.

Putting them away: Tennessee has played well in second halves this season. Their comeback attempt fell short against Georgia, but it didn’t against South Carolina. The Vols are a team you have to put away when you get a lead. If Alabama jumps out to a second-half lead, expect Saban and Doug Nussmeier to put the game away and keep scoring, because they have to. Tennessee’s a team you can’t let hang around, because they are scrappy and fight for four quarters.


What to watch for: Tennessee at #1 Alabama | Saturday Down South

 

[vols4evah]

Tennessee’s a team you can’t let hang around, because they are scrappy and fight for four quarters.

this is what I wanted to see from our team this year. Its great that its come.

 

[98utvols]

Good read

 

[KoachKletus]

Tennessee’s a team you can’t let hang around, because they are scrappy and fight for four quarters.

this is what I wanted to see from our team this year. Its great that its come.

Yes Sir. That 4th quarter fight is all about conditioning. It is what this team has lacked (besides coaching) for the past 10 years. This team has brutalized the best of the SEC east. This Saturday we get to be brutal with the best of the west. We may pull it out. Odds say we don't. But by the grace of god and a big stick it will be a battle for all 4.

 

[VeeOhElEsYes]

Keep it close through 3 and see what we can do in the 4th. Go Vols!

 

[Volingatorland]

Tennessee’s a team you can’t let hang around, because they are scrappy and fight for four quarters.

There's a quote that felt like we'd never see.

 

[stephenk24]

They predict it will be a blowout at SDS. Maybe my hopes are too high...

 

[Other_Guy]

The only reason Bama is impressing everyone is because of the Ole Miss game. Like a previous thread stated, Overrated McCarron has played some crappy pass defenses. Their OL is untested. Their opponents don't have balanced offenses, or doesn't have a defense to help them out (A&M).

I'm not saying UT will play them real close because of these things, but even if they beat LSU and win out, Tide fans better not expect an automatic W when they reach the NCG.

 

[stephenk24]

The only reason Bama is impressing everyone is because of the Ole Miss game. Like a previous thread stated, Overrated McCarron has played some crappy pass defenses. Their OL is untested. Their opponents don't have balanced offenses, or doesn't have a defense to help them out (A&M).

I'm not saying UT will play them real close because of these things, but even if they beat LSU and win out, Tide fans better not expect an automatic W when they reach the NCG.

If this game was at Neyland, do you think the analysts would believe we have a legitimate shot at a win?

 

[gule]

if SOS had given TN even a morsel of respect, instead of acting like a idiot with his play calling and TO stategy, we would be four loss suckbutts already.

I think ya'll are way overboard with the orange colored glasses. Git a grip peeples.

 

[titansvolsfaninga]

if SOS had given TN even a morsel of respect, instead of acting like a idiot with his play calling and TO stategy, we would be four loss suckbutts already.

I think ya'll are way overboard with the orange colored glasses. Git a grip peeples.

Go play in traffic.

 

[fade route]

if SOS had given TN even a morsel of respect, instead of acting like a idiot with his play calling and TO stategy, we would be four loss suckbutts already.

I think ya'll are way overboard with the orange colored glasses. Git a grip peeples.

And if you didn't have a internet connection, we wouldn't have to read your garbage.

 

[bmaultbay]

if SOS had given TN even a morsel of respect, instead of acting like a idiot with his play calling and TO stategy, we would be four loss suckbutts already.

I think ya'll are way overboard with the orange colored glasses. Git a grip peeples.

If the mods could tell when account request were from negavols, then you wouldn't have an account.

The ol' ball coach was outcoached. He grabbed his onions,just like CBJ did against GA, gambled and lost.

 

[VolinWayne]

If the mods could tell when account request were from negavols, then you wouldn't have an account.

The ol' ball coach was outcoached. He grabbed his onions,just like CBJ did against GA, gambled and lost.

This is what I love. We finaly have a Coach who can outcoach the likes of Steve!

 

[Volswin98]

The only reason Bama is impressing everyone is because of the Ole Miss game. Like a previous thread stated, Overrated McCarron has played some crappy pass defenses. Their OL is untested. Their opponents don't have balanced offenses, or doesn't have a defense to help them out (A&M).

I'm not saying UT will play them real close because of these things, but even if they beat LSU and win out, Tide fans better not expect an automatic W when they reach the NCG.

Over here, they are not only expecting a W in the NCG; they are expecting a blowout.

 

[jkleno]

The only reason Bama is impressing everyone is because of the Ole Miss game. Like a previous thread stated, Overrated McCarron has played some crappy pass defenses. Their OL is untested. Their opponents don't have balanced offenses, or doesn't have a defense to help them out (A&M).

I'm not saying UT will play them real close because of these things, but even if they beat LSU and win out, Tide fans better not expect an automatic W when they reach the NCG.

I agree they better not expect a automatic win in the NCG. Oregon is still playing without their best RB and I think they would beat Bama this year. Anyway, our team is playing great as the season rolls on. They king of remind me of a Bama team from 6-7 years ago. Everyone knows we are coming. It is just a matter of time. GBO

 

[Volador]

Tennessee’s a team you can’t let hang around, because they are scrappy and fight for four quarters.

With the Vols playing into the fourth quarter for the first time in quite a while, I will be actively rooting for the Vols in November for the first time in quite a while

 

[golf437]

Tennessee’s a team you can’t let hang around, because they are scrappy and fight for four quarters.

With the Vols playing into the fourth quarter for the first time in quite a while, I will be actively rooting for the Vols in November for the first time in quite a while

Glad to see that you are back on the bandwagon.

 

[PayingUTKTuition]

If this game was at Neyland, do you think the analysts would believe we have a legitimate shot at a win?

No, I don't think so. But, I can remember some other victories where we did not have a legitimate shot at winning according to the analysts.

 

[gule]

one lucky 35 yard onehanded catch and you'all think the Vols can beat bama?.. Let me have some of that weed.

 

[stephenk24]

one lucky 35 yard onehanded catch and you'all think the Vols can beat bama?.. Let me have some of that weed.

Troll IMO.

 

[emzeeee]

one lucky 35 yard onehanded catch and you'all think the Vols can beat bama?.. Let me have some of that weed.

Don't think most people here are that delusional. But the improvement to our team goes beyond a one handed catch. I guess you just didn't watch any of the Georgia game or the rest of that South Carolina game.

 

[gnm53108]

Don't think most people here are that delusional. But the improvement to our team goes beyond a one handed catch. I guess you just didn't watch any of the Georgia game or the rest of that South Carolina game.

I dont think it's delusional to think we can beat bama.

With ya on the improvement. Kinda wild that as our compitition gets tougher so do the Vols.

 

[onevolfan]

one lucky 35 yard onehanded catch and you'all think the Vols can beat bama?.. Let me have some of that weed.

That was not luck. North is just GOOD....He's had a few unbelievable catches this year, in case you haven't noticed.

 

[OrangeBloodinTN]

one lucky 35 yard onehanded catch and you'all think the Vols can beat bama?.. Let me have some of that weed.

You must eat entire ganja plants for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day if you think the Vols win over USCe was only about one catch. It's even more absurd to say the catch was luck and to try to discount North's ability.