Tennessee football vs. Alabama: 10 keys to the game for Vols and Crimson Tide

1. Can Alabama protect the ball?

If we’re being honest, this is all Alabama has to do to win this game. Tennessee football’s best chance is to force multiple Alabama turnovers. Winning the turnover battle has actually been a huge boost for the Vols this year, as they have a plus-one turnover margin, which is top 20.

What helps is the fact that Hendon Hooker still hasn’t thrown an interception on the year, an incredible stat. They have lost five fumbles, but honestly, given the way they take care of the ball throwing it, that’s proven to not be too big of a deal. This game all comes down to what Alabama does with the ball.

Last week, they had four turnovers against Texas A&M. For the year, Alabama has a minus-one turnover margin. They’re not bad at taking care of the ball usually, but they don’t generate a lot of turnovers, and against a UT team that doesn’t throw picks, that means they likely won’t come away with any turnovers in this one.

Of course, if Alabama does recover a couple turnovers, it’s a wrap. However, the real question is if they can protect the ball. Tennessee football will do a pretty good job of protecting it outside of maybe losing one fumble. The key for the Tide is to not commit two turnovers. If they keep it below two, they win.