The Tennessee Volunteers (3-4, 0-3) host the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide (6-1, 3-1) on Saturday at Neyland Stadium. The Vols are coming off a a 34-3 loss to No. 3 Ole Miss in Week 8. The Tide look to continue momentum from a 59-0 win over Texas A&M AND extend their annual winning streak to eight games.
Here’s a look inside the numbers.
THE GOOD
78: A.J. Johnson leads the Southeastern Conference with 78 total tackles. The senior recorded 10 tackles against Ole Miss and has recorded at least nine in each game this season. Johnson is having a career season and is a serious candidate for SEC Defensive Player of the Year.
43: Cameron Sutton managed to hold Ole Miss’ Laquon Treadwell to 43 yards on four catches in Saturday’s loss. The sophomore leads Tennessee with three interceptions, while taking on the task of defending opposing team’s No. 1 wide receivers. Sutton’s emergence is no surprise as a reigning Freshman All-American who has started at cornerback in every game since enrolling at Tennessee. However, his progression this season has placed him among the top defensive backs in the conference.
THE BAD
4: Justin Worley had four turnovers in Saturday’s loss, including three interceptions and a fumble lost. The senior quarterback made questionable decisions, forcing passes into double and triple coverage. Worley also seemed to reinjure his throwing elbow against Ole Miss, which could have had an effect on his poor performance.
30: Tennessee’s offensive line has allowed 30 sacks this season and is averaging 4.3 sacks allowed per game. The Vols rank No. 123 overall in sacks allowed, tied for second worst in the FBS. Six different Rebels recorded sacks on Saturday. Marquis Haynes finished with a team-best 2.5. Deterrian Shackelford, Robert and Denzel Nkemdiche and C.J. Johnson each had a sack, while Channing Ward recorded an assisted sack.
A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky
