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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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Tennessee defensive linemen Omari Thomas (21) and lineman Kurott Garland (99) warming up before the NCAA football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and South Alabama Jaguars in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, November 20, 2021.Utvsal1120
Tennessee defensive linemen Omari Thomas (21) and lineman Kurott Garland (99) warming up before the NCAA football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and South Alabama Jaguars in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, November 20, 2021.Utvsal1120 /

4. Dominant Vols’ rush defense vs. dominant Alabama run game

Let’s be fair, both actually have an elite run defense and an elite run game in raw numbers. However, Tennessee football’s run game is more about how Josh Heupel schemes things. While the Vols have a top 25 rushing offense averaging over 200 yards a game, their efficiency is No. 46, averaging just over four and a half yards a carry.

That’s still solid, but the focus is about a solid run game to make sure the passing game can explode. Against Alabama’s rush defense, the Vols aren’t really going to do anything, as this is a dominant unit. Even Texas and Texas A&M averaged fewer than two yards a carry.

On the other side, though, there’s a question. The Vols also have a dominant rush defense, holding teams to under two yards a carry. Alabama has the No. 1 rush offense, though, averaging just under seven yards a carry.  Which one gives way when these two face off?

This is crucial largely because Tennessee football is going to give up a lot of plays in the secondary no matter what. That’s just a week spot for the Vols, and it’s going to be a weak spot in this game regardless of who plays quarterback. As a result, they need to win out on this battle. If they don’t it’s a wrap.

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