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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 offensive lineman Cooper Mays (63) and Tennessee offensive lineman Darnell Wright (58) rest after a play during a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football
Tennessee offensive lineman Cooper Mays (63) and Tennessee offensive lineman Darnell Wright (58) rest after a play during a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

3. Health of everybody in Vols’ rushing attack

People are asking questions about who will play quarterback for Tennessee football between Hendon Hooker and Joe Milton III given Hooker’s injury last week. That’s a huge factor in this game, but it’s actually part of a larger question surrounding the health of the Vols’ entire rushing attack, and anybody who has followed the team knows Hooker is a part of that.

Last week, the Vols entered the game without Tiyon Evans and Cooper Mays. Cade Mays, as we mentioned on a previous slide, then went down on the Vols’ first offensive possession. Hooker had to leave the game late, costing a chance at a game-winning touchdown.

Before Hooker left, though, the other injuries already proved to be costly. Jabari Small ran hard but only had 92 yards and averaged less than four and a half yards a carry. He’s not the runner Evans is, and he also didn’t have the blocking you expect Evans to have.

If Hooker is not on the field, this game is over no matter what. However, if he’s on the field but the rest of the players who make this running game go aren’t, then they are still in serious trouble. All of them have to be ready to go for the Vols to have any chance.

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