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Josh Heupel is facing a strong defense for a second week in a row.
After the Vols won a defensive battle against Texas A&M over the weekend, they now prepare for another top defense in Alabama.
Heading into the game, Heupel sees some similarities in the Tide’s defense compared to Texas A&M’s.
“Going to say this, it’s kind of a repeat from last week, you’ve got to have some efficiency in the run game,” Heupel said in his press conference Monday. “You get into long distance situations and they have the ability to pin their ears back and come after the quarterback. They’re multiple in what they do.”
Heupel praised Alabama’s ability to play in sync as a unit, and he knows it poses some big challenges.
“All 5 guys got to operate together, not only in the run game, but you’ve got to be in sync in the pass protections, too,” Heupel said. “Got to get the ball out on time, there’s going to be a bunch of the 1-on-1 matchups on the outside, got to win some of those matchups and be accurate with the football. It’s going to take all 11, they all play a piece in what goes on, in the run game and in the pass game too.”
Tennessee’s offensive line limited Texas A&M to just 3 sacks, which is a solid number considering the Aggies’ ability to get to the ball. Now Heupel is hoping his team can limit the Tide.
