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Tennessee football: Five takeaways from Vols’ 48-17 loss to Alabama

By Caleb Calhoun

Alabama running back Najee Harris (22) fumbles the ball in the end zone during the Alabama and Tennessee football game at Neyland Stadium at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020.Tennessee Vs Alabama Football 100296
Alabama running back Najee Harris (22) fumbles the ball in the end zone during the Alabama and Tennessee football game at Neyland Stadium at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020.Tennessee Vs Alabama Football 100296 /
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Tennessee defensive back Bryce Thompson (0) and Tennessee defensive back Trevon Flowers (1) tackle Alabama wide receiver John Metchie III (8) during a game between Alabama and Tennessee at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020.102420 Ut Bama Gameaction
Tennessee defensive back Bryce Thompson (0) and Tennessee defensive back Trevon Flowers (1) tackle Alabama wide receiver John Metchie III (8) during a game between Alabama and Tennessee at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020.102420 Ut Bama Gameaction /

1. Pass defense was horrendous

We’ve seen this from Tennessee football all year. The Vols allowed Terry Wilson and the Kentucky Wildcats, not known for their ability to pass the ball, to complete 13-of-16 passes. They had multiple busted coverages against the Georgia Bulldogs, particularly in the second half, and they allowed Shi Smith of the South Carolina Gamecocks to have 140 yards and a touchdown.

Even the Missouri Tigers moved the ball through the air on them once Connor Bazelak stepped in at quarterback. As a result, it should come as no surprise that the Alabama Crimson Tide, who are loaded at receiver and have a Heisman candidate at quarterback in Mac Jones, would torch them through the air all day while they had no answer.

Jones completed his first 10 passes in the game. In the second half, he fumbled a snap but picked it up and had an easy completion over the middle. He finished the game completing 25 of 31 passes for 387 yards and no interceptions. There’s no way around it. UT’s pass defense is atrocious. This all happened despite Jaylen Waddle going out early.

Sure, the Vols were facing an Alabama team that appears unstoppable. However, this is part of a trend, and it’s getting worse. Without Nigel Warrior, there’s nobody to hold the unit together. Waddle was out, and DeVonta Smith was just third on the team in receiving. He STILL had 73 yards, torching Rocky Top through the air. This issue has to be fixed going into the bye week.

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