Lane Kiffin reportedly calls out Tennessee DE Derek Barnett during pregame
Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin reportedly called out Tennessee defensive end Derek Barnett before Saturday’s game at Neyland Stadium. When a Vols fan told Kiffin to warn freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts of Barnett, the coordinator allegedly responded by saying, “Barnett jumps offsides every play anyway.”
UT fan to Lane Kiffin: "Derek Barnett is coming. Tell your freshman QB to be ready."
Kiffin: "Barnett jumps offsides every play anyway."
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) October 15, 2016
Kiffin, who was Tennessee’s head coach in 2009, will make his second trip to Knoxville since joining Alabama’s staff in 2014. The Tide defeated the Vols, 34-20, in his first return to Neyland Stadium and 19-14 in last year’s matchup in Tuscaloosa.
Barnett leads Tennessee with 5.0 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss, both of which rank in the top five among SEC players.
According to CFB Film Room, Hurts has completed 7-of-27 pass attempts while under pressure this season, which may be a concern facing the elite pass-rusher Saturday.
Alabama QB Jalen Hurts has completed 7-27 pass attempts under pressure (25.9%) this season.
Derek Barnett and Myles Garrett await eagerly.
— CFB Film Room (@CFBFilmRoom) October 10, 2016