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

By Caleb Calhoun

Sep 17, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel coaching during the second half against the Akron Zips at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel coaching during the second half against the Akron Zips at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 17, 2022; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Brian Branch (14) returns a punt for a touchdown against the UL Monroe Warhawks at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 63-7. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2022; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Brian Branch (14) returns a punt for a touchdown against the UL Monroe Warhawks at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 63-7. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Who makes the big play(s) on special teams?

Here is another factor that right now seems like a positive for both teams. Early on, it would have been a huge advantage for Alabama, and based on the totality of the season, it still may be. That’s because Tennessee football had a blocked punt and a muffed punt against the Pittsburgh Panthers and then failed to recover an onside kick against the Florida Gators.

However, coming off the bye, the Vols had a perfect opening kickoff at LSU last week to force a fumble. The next drive, they had a 58-yard punt return. They also had a 49-yard punt and another punt that pinned LSU inside the five-yard line. Meanwhile, they have a kicker who is nearly automatic inside 40 yards and has nailed a 50-yarder.

On the other side, Alabama is averaging over 20 yards a punt return. Brian Branch has run one punt back for a touchdown, and they blocked another punt that resulted in a touchdown. With an average of 26 yards on kickoff returns, they’re above average there too.

A great way for the Vols to have a chance in this one is to get a big play on special teams, either creating an extra possession or finally running one back. However, Alabama can also cash in on that, and if they do, Tennessee football will have no chance, so the Vols can’t return to their special teams issues of before the bye.

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