Alabama Football Views: Q&A With FanSided’s Bama Hammer

Here is a conversation All for Tennessee had with Alabama football site Bama Hammer on Saturday’s game between the Volunteers and the Crimson Tide.

Alabama football is riding high after a 49-30 victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks last week. However, there’s still much to learn about Nick Saban’s 10th team with the school.

All for Tennessee caught up with the experts at Bama Hammer, the Alabama Crimson Tide’s site for the FanSided network.

Check out the questions we had for them below.

1. How is this Alabama team different from other national championship teams? Which parts are better? Which parts are worse or more concerning?

Well you’re just shooting from the hip straight out of the gate, huh? Haha! This Alabama team is different because it’s MUCH younger. This is the first time Bama has had a true freshman starting quarterback in….honestly I don’t know. It’s been so long, I’d have to Google. The defense is just as good as ever. Jeremy Pruitt came in as the new defensive coordinator after Kirby hightailed it to Georgia, and he didn’t miss a beat. This defense is quick, powerful, and in-your-face. The more concerning aspects of the team have been the offensive line, but after last week’s showing against Arkansas, I’m not nearly as worried. The general youth and inexperience of the team is something to keep in mind. However, these boys don’t seem to be phased by much of anything so far.

2. The Tide have played three big games this year, and all three times they’ve gone over 40 points. Just how great is Jalen Hurts at quarterback?

Jalen is pretty damn amazing. He’s better than even I wanted to give him credit for before the season started. He is a true dual-threat quarterback, and can run when he gets in trouble. Jalen also has a cannon of an arm. We haven’t seen that as much so far this season because the run game has been so strong, but I’d expect that to change against UT this weekend.

3. Jalen Hurts, Damien Harris, and Calvin Ridley are obvious playmakers on offense for Alabama? Who are some other guys we should know about?

Joshua Jacobs, the true freshman running back, is a threat on the ground. Rueben Foster is a MONSTER on defense, and Minkah Fitzpatrick is a big-time playmaker.

4. Who are the most dangerous players on Alabama’s defense? 

Reuben Foster, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Jonathan Allen. You’ll see action from Ryan Anderson, Eddie Jackson, and Marlon Humphrey for sure, but really watch out for those first three guys.

5. How confident are Alabama fans right now after finally getting over the Ole Miss hump and blowing out USC and Arkansas?

I’d go with “cautiously optimistic”. Bama fans take their cues from Nick Saban; therefore, we never look ahead to the next game. Each game is its own threat, and every team plays their best game against Alabama. Everyone wants to dethrone the Tide.

6. With that confidence, is there any concern of the players being a bit overconfident or looking ahead of the Vols to Texas A&M next week since that is a more important game in terms of divisional standings? 

No, not at all. I don’t see that as an issue in the slightest. Tennessee is a huge game for Alabama, and it means a lot to the players. They want to go in and not just win, but dominate Neyland. Just as the fans follow Saban’s lead, the team does even more so. No way they’ve overlooked the Vols and Butch Jones.

7. What’s your final score prediction?

Honestly? I think Bama starts slow on offense but picks up midway through the second quarter. The Tide will roll after halftime. 34-17, Bama.