By Jack Glennon
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – After narrowly defeating the Arkansas Razorbacks 34-31 on Saturday, the Tennessee Volunteers improved to 5-1 on the season.
The thrilling victory, which saw quarterback Joey Aguilar continue to impress, moved the Volunteers up one spot in the Associated Press’ Top 25 rankings, as the team now comes in at No. 11.
Tennessee’s win against Arkansas, however, was greatly overshadowed by the fact that the Volunteers will travel to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, this weekend to face off against the No. 6-ranked Crimson Tide.
Since the turn of the century, Alabama is 18-7 against the Volunteers, en route to six national championships in the same time frame.
Though Tennessee has twice defeated the Tide in the past three seasons, Alabama is hardly a pushover, having rattled off three straight wins against ranked opponents to kick off conference play.
Alabama, also 5-1 on the season, is led by junior signal-caller Ty Simpson, a Tennessee native. Simpson, who has thrown just one interception the entire season, may prove a difficult matchup for a Tennessee defense that relies heavily on forcing turnovers.
“We need to win the turnover battle,” said Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel. “Apply pressure to the [QB]… and get some punches too.”
Though Heupel believes that winning the turnover battle is imperative for Tennessee, the Volunteers may need to find other ways to dominate the game.
Having committed just two giveaways this season, the Crimson Tide ranks first in the SEC and third nationally in ball security.
Part of Alabama’s explosive offensive performance can be attributed in large part to the roster’s dynamic playmakers, most notably 18-year-old receiver Ryan Williams.
Senior defensive back Jalen McMurray spoke on what makes the star sophomore so difficult to defend.
“He’s a great player… it’s just us doing our job, and trusting our technique,” he explained.
It remains to be seen how the Volunteers will gameplan for Williams, who had 73 yards receiving, along with a touchdown reception, a season ago in Neyland Stadium.
Though leaving Bryant-Denny Stadium Saturday evening with a victory is a tall task for the Volunteers, fans can expect a photo finish from this third Saturday in October rivalry classic.
Both teams will look to improve to 6-1 on Saturday behind their respective Heisman-contending QBs.