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SEC Football

Tennessee could spoil Alabama’s season

John Brasier

By John Brasier

Published:


The loss to Ole Miss fading from view in the rear-view mirror, Alabama is back in its familiar position under Nick Saban.

Unless the Rebels make a dramatic recovery from their midseason slump, which included last Saturday’s loss to Memphis, and run the table, the Crimson Tide seems in control of its destiny.

SEC West Division title, SEC Championship, College Football Playoff and national championship — all are within reach for the surging Tide. As recent history (2011, 2012) has shown, a one-loss Alabama team can win the national title.

It’s all there for the Tide’s taking. Beat unbeaten LSU on Nov. 7, and take care of business on the road against Mississippi State and Auburn. Roll over the East opponent in the conference title game and its on to the Playoff.

Unless Tennessee can pull an upset Saturday in Tuscaloosa. And there’s no team north of Toomer’s Corner that would relish a victory over the Tide more than the Vols.

By beating the Tide, Butch Jones’ Vols could notch a signature victory, end an eight-game skid to a long-standing rival, get on the fast track to a warm-weather bowl game and a re-emergence as an East Division power.

And ruin the Tide’s season. A one-loss Tide can win it all. A two-loss Tide won’t win the division, won’t play for an SEC title and won’t make the Playoff.

The Vols are capable of pulling a stunner. Quarterback Joshua Dobbs and RB Jalen Hurd give the offense a dynamic 1-2 punch. Heralded freshman WR Preston Williams is establishing himself as a big-play threat. Sophomore Josh Malone and tight end Ethan Wolf are consistent targets. Jones has been stocking his team with high-end talent.

Though the Vols are 3-3, they’ve been competitive in every game. They led Oklahoma by two touchdowns in the fourth quarter before losing in overtime. They missed a long field-goal attempt to lose to Florida and had numerous chances to score a go-ahead touchdown in a 24-20 loss to Arkansas.

Tennessee’s victory over Georgia two weeks ago was an important confidence builder for a team that hadn’t shown an ability to beat a quality opponent. If they beat Bama, the Vols would likely finish the regular season on a seven-game winning streak — Kentucky and Missouri are their toughest remaining opponents.

If Georgia beats Florida, a three-way tie, including Tennessee, for the East title might come into play.

Alabama is the better team. The Crimson Tide has a powerful running game led by Derrick Henry and a dominating defense that returned 3 of 4 interceptions against previously unbeaten Texas A&M for touchdowns. And the Tide is at home.

But there is a feasible scenario for a Tennessee victory.

If the Vols can break out to a lead of more than a touchdown — through stopping the Tide ground game or perhaps Alabama turnovers — they might be able to force the Tide out of its comfort zone.

The Tide couldn’t keep up with Ole Miss in a high-scoring game, though it did make an admirable late comeback. Alabama is vulnerable if forced to play from behind and depend on Jacob Coker’s passing.

Tennessee has the weapons needed to put points on the scoreboard. The Vols have a big-play quarterback and enough talent to stick with the Tide.

For Alabama, every game is a must-win. Lose and all preseason goals are lost. This week, it’s Tennessee’s chance to turn the Tide on the SEC and national scenes.

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