Tennessee football vs. Alabama: 5 Vols to watch for against Crimson Tide

The only chance at all for Tennessee football to beat the Alabama Crimson Tide, or even be in the game, is to find a way to get pressure on Tua Tagovailoa. That’s a very tall task, but the Vols have a front seven that’s done that each of the past two games. So maybe they’re onto something.

A major key to getting pressure is Darrell Taylor. Taylor had his coming out party against the Georgia Bulldogs with three sacks and two forced fumbles. While the Auburn Tigers focused more heavily on him, he still managed five tackles.

Now, with Jonathan Kongbo injured, Deandre Johnson has shown some speed at the other side. And there is pressure that can come from up front. So teams can’t focus on just Taylor as much. That could allow for Taylor to have another breakout game Saturday and get to Tagovailoa more than anybody else has this year.

At the same time, you know Pruitt is going to know Tagovailoa’s tendencies more than any other coach that has gone up against him this season. Add in the fact that he’s been calling solid defensive games, and Taylor has plenty of advantages to cash in Saturday. So don’t be surprised if Taylor steps up and makes huge plays.