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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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Nov 27, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Aaron Beasley (24) and linebacker Jeremy Banks (33) ready to play defense during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Aaron Beasley (24) and linebacker Jeremy Banks (33) ready to play defense during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Ability of Vols LBs to contain Alabama’s quarterback

You may say this builds off of the previous key, and maybe that’s true but it’s more critical. Regardless of who plays quarterback, Tennessee football will be facing its fourth straight mobile quarterback and third straight Power Five quarterback. Containment and keeping them in the pocket is crucial.

Aaron Beasley and Jeremy Banks have been much better at that this year than they were last year. If Jalen Milroe plays, that’s even a better sign for them. However, if Bryce Young is the quarterback, he’ll be the first true pocket passer who can run like a dual-threat the Vols have faced.

That’s a dangerous combination and was where UT struggled the most last year. There’s a reason Young had his best rushing performance against the Vols in 2021 while Matt Corral of the Ole Miss Rebels ran for 195 yards against them. This will be the first real test of their improvement.

Byron Young and Tyler Baron will need to bring pressure no matter what on the edges, but their ability to do that really hinges on how well the linebackers contain the quarterbacks in the middle. If they can do that, then the pressure should come, which will help the pass defense. It all comes down to containment and stopping the run, though.

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