By Zion Murray
As No. 14 Tennessee prepares to welcome No. 6 Alabama to Neyland Stadium, the annual Third Saturday in October rivalry presents an opportunity for the Volunteers to establish themselves as a legitimate contender in the SEC.
With both teams looking to respond to uneven offensive performances, Saturday’s contest could come down to execution in the trenches, quarterback play and which defense can force the opposing offense into uncomfortable situations.
No. 6 Alabama Crimson Tide (5-1)
Alabama enters Knoxville following its first setback of the season, a narrow 20-17 loss against Georgia. Despite the loss, the Crimson Tide have proven to be a threat in the SEC and a potential favorite to land a spot in the College Football Playoff, making this matchup even more important for the Vols.
Led by quarterback Keelon Russell, Alabama’s offense has demonstrated an ability to generate explosive plays, averaging 7 yards per play through its first six games. Alabama has established a top-five offense in the SEC, averaging 452.5 yards per game while totaling 2,715 yards on the season.
Russell has played his way into Heisman Trophy conversations, throwing for 1,599 yards and 12 touchdowns while recording just two interceptions. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the signal-caller at the beginning of the season, Russell and the Alabama offense have begun to find their stride with an efficient passing attack that will challenge Tennessee’s secondary.
Alabama’s rushing attack has been a productive component of its offense, averaging 182.2 yards per game thus far. While their offense has been more prolific through the air, the Crimson Tide have multiple contributors capable of producing on the ground, including running backs Daniel Hill and EJ Crowell.
Russell’s dual-threat ability adds a different wrinkle to Alabama’s rushing attack. The sophomore quarterback has demonstrated the ability to extend plays with his legs and punish defenses that lose their coverage responsibilities. In addition to elite production through the air, Russell has accumulated more than 200 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns.
The potential absence of wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams could also affect Alabama’s offensive approach. Coleman-Williams was beginning to look like the star receiver who once took the college football world by storm, leading the Crimson Tide with 415 receiving yards and four touchdown catches. However, he is unlikely to play in this rivalry contest due to injuries sustained in the game against Georgia.
Without its leading pass catcher, Alabama will need additional production from the rest of its receiver group. Averaging 270.3 yards per game through the air, the Crimson Tide will look for other dynamic playmakers to step up, such as Lotzeir Brooks and Rico Scott.
Defensively, Alabama’s physicality upfront will test a Tennessee offense that has relied heavily on running the ball. The Crimson Tide have emphasized stopping the run, allowing an average of only 99.8 rushing yards per game. Applying pressure and forcing opposing offenses into mistakes has been a priority, with 17 sacks and 14 turnovers on the season. Tennessee cannot afford to surrender possession through interceptions, fumbles or drive-killing penalties because the Crimson Tide surely have the ability to capitalize.
No. 14 Tennessee Volunteers (5-1)
Tennessee enters the Third Saturday in October with an opportunity to respond to a challenging stretch of SEC competition. The Volunteers suffered a narrow loss to Texas before recording consecutive conference victories over Auburn and Arkansas. However, the offensive inconsistency displayed against the Razorbacks highlighted areas that must improve against a more physically imposing opponent.
The biggest storyline for the Vols remains the quarterback position. George MacIntyre started against Arkansas and completed 18 of 29 passes for 247 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in Tennessee’s 24-17 victory. Head coach Josh Heupel has not officially announced whether MacIntyre or freshman Faizon Brandon will start, leaving the quarterback situation a significant factor entering Saturday’s matchup.
Regardless of who starts, Tennessee must find ways to create favorable passing situations. Alabama’s defensive front will likely challenge the Volunteers’ protection, making quick decisions and effective communication especially important. Tennessee can use play-action, crossing routes and quick throws to neutralize the pass rush while creating opportunities for receivers to gain yards after the catch.
The Volunteers’ greatest offensive advantage could be their rushing attack, led by DeSean Bishop. Tennessee ranks 15th nationally with 228.3 rushing yards per game, while Bishop has accumulated 678 yards and eight touchdowns through six games. His production gives Tennessee a foundation to build around, but success against Alabama will require more than individual effort.
Tennessee must establish a balanced run game by winning at the point of attack and forcing Alabama to respect the possibility of a handoff on early downs. If Bishop can consistently gain positive yardage, the offensive scheme will open up and help MacIntyre or Brandon settle into the game plan. Utilizing play-action could be something Heupel looks to as a way to attack intermediate areas of the field and to prevent Alabama from aggressively pursuing the quarterback.
Defensively, the Volunteers face one of their most demanding assignments of the season. Tennessee is allowing only 15.5 points per game and has recorded five interceptions while surrendering only three passing touchdowns through six games. The Volunteers will look to apply pressure and get after Russell as they lead the nation with 25 sacks.
Defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam has established himself as one of the Volunteers’ most disruptive defenders, recording 10 tackles for loss and five sacks on the season. His ability to collapse the pocket could force Russell into mistakes, and Tennessee’s ability to create pressure could limit his impact outside the pocket. In addition, Tennessee cannot allow receivers to find open space when Russell extends plays, and the defensive backs must avoid unnecessary penalties that give the Crimson Tide additional opportunities.
Ultimately, Saturday’s matchup will once again test Tennessee’s ability to execute against a physical opponent on both sides of the ball. With Neyland Stadium providing home-field advantage, Tennessee has an opportunity to turn its recent momentum into a season-defining victory. Alabama, however, possesses the elite talent and production to make that difficult. The team that controls the line of scrimmage, protects the football and capitalizes on scoring opportunities will have the clearest path to winning the Third Saturday in October.