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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 quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) fakes the handoff to Tennessee running back Tiyon Evans (8) during a NCAA football game against Tennessee Tech at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021.Kns Tennessee Tenn Tech Football
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) fakes the handoff to Tennessee running back Tiyon Evans (8) during a NCAA football game against Tennessee Tech at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021.Kns Tennessee Tenn Tech Football /

8. Vols’ success on fourth down

Last week, we expected to see lots of fourth down attempts on both sides. Tennessee football only had two notable attempts, though, and one didn’t count. That one was on their first offensive drive. A 4th and 1 came up with them down 7-0, and just as they called the play, the refs blew it dead to review a previous spot, but not before Cade Mays got hurt.

Mays’ injury resulted in Josh Heupel making the crucial mistake of deciding to punt the ball. The Vols didn’t go for it on fourth down until that 4th and 24 play late in the game where they were spotted short a yard and the fans lashed out by throwing all the bottles.

On the other side, Alabama built its huge lead over Ole Miss solely on Lane Kiffin’s failed fourth down attempts. Now, Kiffin’s decisions were the right ones, as it was the only chance he was ever going to have to win that game. It still spotted Alabama the huge lead.

What will happen in this game, though? Will Heupel be smart and aggressive and go for it on fourth down like he should? If he does, will he be able to convert? Should those two things come true, don’t be surprised if Rocky Top makes this a game.

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