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Tennessee football: Five Vols to watch for against Alabama

By Dean Zulkofske

KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 20: LaBryan Ray #89 of the Alabama Crimson Tide battles with Offensive lineman Trey Smith #73 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Alabama won 58-21. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 20: LaBryan Ray #89 of the Alabama Crimson Tide battles with Offensive lineman Trey Smith #73 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Alabama won 58-21. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
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KNOXVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 20: LaBryan Ray #89 of the Alabama Crimson Tide battles with Offensive lineman Trey Smith #73 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Alabama won 58-21. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 20: LaBryan Ray #89 of the Alabama Crimson Tide battles with Offensive lineman Trey Smith #73 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Alabama won 58-21. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /

1. Senior. Trey Smith. player. 839. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Offensive lineman

6’6″ 330 pounds; Hometown: Jackson, Tenn.

While we don’t know who’ll be under center taking snaps for Tennessee football on Saturday, we do know Trey Smith will be at the left guard position ready to protect them. As the leader of the Big Orange, Smith was distraught after UT’s 34-7 loss to Kentucky last week. It’s clear he realizes his position and importance not just on the field but on the sideline and in the locker room as well.

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Aside from his leadership responsibilities, Smith is currently the best player on the Vols’ roster, preparing to play against the best opponent UT will face all year. Under those circumstances, you have to expect Smith’s finest work in his last game against the Crimson Tide.

A massive reason UT had success running up the middle last week was due to the efforts of Smith and Cade Mays. While the offensive tackles had numerous issues, the interior line was elite.

It’s safe to say offensive coordinator Jim Chaney will – or at least should – prepare to rely heavily on that ground game for offensive production this weekend. He abandoned it too quickly against Kentucky and Georgia, and that cost the Vols both times.

The Alabama defense Smith will line up across from on Saturday averages six tackles for loss a game. If Rocky Top wants a shot at upsetting the No. 2 team in the country, keeping offensive plays above the line of scrimmage will be paramount.

Next. Five takeaways from Vols' 34-7 loss to Kentucky. dark

Saturday afternoon will be Smith’s last chance to represent Tennessee football in a rivalry older than the Southeastern Conference itself. Look for him to shine on the big stage. The Vols will need his talent and leadership.

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