OFFENSE: B

Alabama’s offense looked to be in store for a record-setting night against Tennessee’s defense early on. The first play went 80 yards for a touchdown and Amari Cooper scored another touchdown on the second drive, racking up 155 yards and two touchdowns on just two receptions.

But after 27 unanswered points Alabama’s offense slowed down as Tennessee strung together some points of its own and two fourth-quarter fumbles by Blake Sims and Jalston Fowler kept things dicey late into the game. Alabama’s offense gave Tennessee every opportunity to stay in the ball game late in the second half, but the Vols couldn’t capitalize.

All in all, 466 total yards of offense is great, but it certainly wasn’t very pretty at times tonight and the lack of ball security and consistency for all 60 minutes will need to be addressed in the bye week.

DEFENSE: C+

Surprisingly, Alabama’s defense had trouble containing the likes of Josh Dobbs and a rather anemic Tennessee offense for most of the night. Dobbs, who burned his redshirt when he came into the game midway through the first half, made some mistakes but largely impressed for a player who was getting his first game action of the season.

Eventually the youth and inexperience of Tennessee’s offense led Alabama to forcing two turnovers, but allowing 383 total yards of offense and 17 unanswered points to a 12th ranked offense playing with its third-string quarterback won’t make fans or coaches very happy. Alabama also allowed 181 rushing yards, which is roughly 120 yards more than its average per game this season.

SPECIAL TEAMS: B+

The unit that’s struggled the most this season saw its share of ups and downs in Neyland Stadium tonight. Kicker Adam Griffith shanked a PAT after Alabama’s opening drive and caused just a few more gray hairs to appear on Nick Saban’s head.

Fortunately for the Crimson Tide, freshman punter JK Scott continued his outstanding season. He unleashed four beautiful punts, including a 60-yard blast.

The return game didn’t do anything special tonight, but zero fumbles on the night should be considered a step forward.

COACHING: B

Playcalling looked strong early by Lane Kiffin, but overall the coaching was so-so tonight. Defensively, Kirby Smart had a bit of a rough night against a quarterback that was playing in his first game of the season as the Crimson Tide struggled to adjust to Josh Dobb’s dual-threat abilities (stop me if you’ve heard that before).

Overall, the coaching staff didn’t have any egregious mistakes, but there is certainly plenty of room for improvement after tonight’s 34-20 win.

OVERALL: B-

The scoreboard says 34-20 and Alabama pulled out a tough win on the road. But frankly, the 14-point win likely won’t be satisfying enough for Alabama’s fans. The Crimson Tide have set an incredibly high standard for how they should perform week in and week out and tonight’s performance probably won’t meet that standard.

A win is a win and Alabama powers on, but the multiple offensive mistakes and defensive lapses are a cause for concern, especially with LSU, Mississippi State and Auburn ahead for the Tide.

Alabama will need to take full advantage of the upcoming bye week before a Nov. 8 date in Tiger Stadium against LSU.