All for Tennessee
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 10
Next
Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (11) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the second half of a game between Alabama and Tennessee at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020.102420 Ut Bama Gameaction
Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (11) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the second half of a game between Alabama and Tennessee at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020.102420 Ut Bama Gameaction /

5. How elite can the Vols receivers be against Alabama’s secondary?

We mentioned the issue with Cedric Tillman. However, even without him, Tennessee football has some playmakers at wide receiver. Jalin Hyatt has emerged in the slot. He has four touchdown receptions the past three games. Bru McCoy, meanwhile, has been the superstar wideout in Tillman’s absence, going over 100 the past two games.

Ramel Keyton has been a great wideout on the other side, and he’s one of the most underrated playmakers. All of these receivers are valuable, but this is based on what they were able to do against Florida and LSU without Tillman. It’s a bit different playing Alabama.

So how elite will the Vols be? That’s in question. This is key to the Vols winning, but Alabama hasn’t struggled because of a bad pass defense. Texas scored 19 points, and Texas A&M scored 20. The reality is they haven’t truly been tested, but they can’t get away with playing press coverage the way they usually can.

If Alabama does do that, the Vols could probably do what they did to LSU. However, Nick Saban will have to scheme more. How much damage can the Vols do against Saban’s brilliance? That’s the real question in this matchup, and it will determine if Hendon Hooker and the passing attack looks elite once again.

Home/Vols Football