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Tennessee football at Alabama Crimson Tide: 10 keys to the game

By Caleb Calhoun

Sep 16, 2017; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; A general view of Bryant-Denny Stadium during the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Colorado State Rams. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 16, 2017; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; A general view of Bryant-Denny Stadium during the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Colorado State Rams. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tennessee leaves the locker room before a game Tennessee and Missouri at Faurot Field in Columbia, Mo. on Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021.Kns Tennessee Missouri Football
Tennessee leaves the locker room before a game Tennessee and Missouri at Faurot Field in Columbia, Mo. on Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021.Kns Tennessee Missouri Football /

Okay, so one key for Tennessee football to win this game is a miracle. They’re facing an Alabama Crimson Tide team on the road that is far superior in terms of talent but is also completely refocused after losing to the Texas A&M Aggies two weeks ago. Just ask Mike Leach and the Mississippi State Bulldogs what it what it was like to pay the price for Alabama’s wrath.

However, no win is beyond impossible, so the Vols have a crazy chance as they do every game. To have a chance, though, they first have to make this a game. Only twice since Nick Saban’s arrival in 2007 have they even been within two possessions of Alabama, 2009 and 2015.

What will determine whether or not this is a game? How can Alabama avoid making this one even close? Those will be the goals for each team in Tuscaloosa, Ala. when they face off. Let’s break down all of the factors here. These are the 10 keys to the game when Tennessee football visits Bryant-Denny Stadium Saturday night.

10. Alabama overconfidence vs. Tennessee distractions

We already know Alabama has a problem with overconfidence. After blowing out the Miami Hurricanes, they struggled with the Mercer Bears and then had to survive the Florida Gators. Then they responded by blowing out the Southern Miss Golden Eagles and Ole Miss Rebels, only to be shocked by Texas A&M.

Well, after losing to Texas A&M, they’re back to blowing teams out, as they beat Mississippi State 49-9 last week. However, will they continue their focus, or will one blowout revert them back to the issues they had beforehand? That’s the major question.

On the other side, Tennessee football has to overcome a heartbreaking loss to the Ole Miss Rebels. That game was delayed by 20 minutes because of fans throwing debris on the field after the right call. Then the SEC fined the school and there was a huge narrative about it early this week. If the Vols are to have a chance, the players have to tune all that out.

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