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Tennessee football at Alabama: Five key Crimson Tide players to watch for against Vols

By Caleb Calhoun

Sep 25, 2021; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (9) and wide receiver Jameson Williams (1) celebrate after a touchdown against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2021; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (9) and wide receiver Jameson Williams (1) celebrate after a touchdown against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 18, 2021; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Drew Sanders (20) celebrates with linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2021; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Drew Sanders (20) celebrates with linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

829. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Linebacker. Sophomore. Will Anderson Jr.. 1. player

6’4″ 243 pounds

One thing that has stood out about Tennessee football in recent weeks has been the Vols’ inability to protect the quarterback. Sure, part of that has to do with Hendon Hooker trying to extend plays, but it also has a lot to do with the offensive line struggling to block on the interior, which could be connected to a few key injuries that have cropped up.

Still, the Vols allowed five sacks last week against the Ole Miss Rebels and six sacks the week before against the South Carolina Gamecocks. They are made for guys who can rush the passer to break out into superstars, and that could be the case for Will Anderson Jr. on Saturday.

Anderson has 11.5 tackles for a loss and six sacks, both of which lead the team. He also has a pass deflection and 36 overall tackles, 18 of which have been solo. He is coming off a four-sack performance against Mississippi State. In fact, since he’s been playing, Alabama has looked great in games he got sacks in and mediocre in games he didn’t get sacks in.

Tennessee at Alabama: 10 keys to the game. dark. Next

Yes, we mean Anderson didn’t get a sack against the Mercer Bears, Florida Gators or Texas A&M Aggies. As a result, Tennessee football’s goal needs to be containing him at all costs. Both Alabama linebackers are the key defenders against the Vols this week, but Anderson is the most important one for them to watch out for. Slowing him down gives their offense a chance.

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