Heading into the game against Tennessee, Alabama’s main focus was on stopping the rushing attack of Tennessee. The Volunteers leading the SEC in rushing yards per game. The Volunteers rushed the ball 38 times for 133 yards and zero touchdowns.

Coach Nick Saban said after the game that was the focal point of the defense early, and even when they made adjustments to their defense, they still stopped the ground game.

“They still hurt us at times with the quarterbacks run,” Saban said. “He’s a really good player. He is a big guy, he is fast and he is a very good athlete. That is part of the reason why we wanted to play odd. They gained 230 yards, and I don’t know what they gained today, but I know it wasn’t that much. So, it was a pretty good job.”

Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright has been outstanding this year, but he had 11 carries for only 22 yards. The Crimson Tide don’t have quite the firepower on offense they have in past years, so the defense will be huge moving forward.

While the Volunteers have a great rushing attack, LSU may have the best offense in all of college football. The Tigers will be in Tuscaloosa on November 4 after their bye.