ESPN pundits Palmer, Herbstreit give UT puncher's chance versus Alabama
Although Tennessee got tripped up versus Texas A&M last weekend, there’s no shortage of steam heading into this Saturday’s contest at home versus No. 1 Alabama.
This could be the signature win Butch Jones and his staff have been searching for since taking over the post four years ago.
A victory for the Volunteers could have massive implications not only when it comes to the conference, but also potentially from a national standpoint.
ESPN pundits Jesse Palmer and Kirk Herbstreit both have spoken about the game over the course of the last few days.
When searching for an elixir to beat Nick Saban’s bunch, Herbstreit admitted (on SportsCenter) that Tennessee may possess the requisite potion for the upset:
“I’d be concerned about quarterback Josh Dobbs and his ability to get on the edge. His ability to create the run, which can give Alabama problems. Last week, he did so many different things. If you want to try and beat Alabama you’ve got to have your quarterback got the ball out of his hands quickly, the quarterback has to be a run threat and take some chances down the field.”
Palmer speaks in more general terms — offering some motivation for quarterback Joshua Dobbs. He also believes Tennessee should take advantage of its carnival-like atmosphere:
“Even after losing to Texas A&M, I still think Tennessee has best chance to beat Alabama. They have the talent to win that game at home. And they got have to start fast. I think this could be a career-defining game for Joshua Dobbs. It won’t be easy and he’ll have to throw into small windows down the field, but he’s got a lot of help. Jalen Hurd’s a good inside runner and Alvin Kamara outside. The game’s at Neyland Stadium, by far the most hostile environment Alabama freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts has had to play in, but man, Tennessee has got to start fast.”
Tennessee has to eventually get em,could this be the year we’ll see.Go Vols!!!!
Thanks! For some strange reason, I feel good about this game. Yeah, we’re beat up and Alabama is Alabama but I think we’ve got a chance to pull it off if we stop giving the ball away. Win or lose, I know we’ll fight hard.
Beat up in an understatement…I do wish we’d get your Vols at full strength though.
Tennessee U
Injury
Status
10/10/16
DL
Danny O’Brien
dismissed from team
10/09/16
LB
Cortez McDowell
Undisclosed
injured last game, “?” Saturday vs. Alabama
10/09/16
LB
Darrin Kirkland Jr.
Ankle
“?” Saturday vs. Alabama
10/09/16
OL
Dylan Wiesman
Undisclosed
injured last game, “?” Saturday vs. Alabama
10/09/16
RB
Jalen Hurd
Concussion
“?” Saturday vs. Alabama
10/09/16
OL
Jashon Robertson
Undisclosed
injured last game, “?” Saturday vs. Alabama
10/08/16
LB
Jalen Reeves-Maybin
Undisclosed
out for season
09/19/16
DB
Cameron Sutton
Ankle
out indefinitely
09/19/16
LB
Quart’e Sapp
ACL
out for season
Hurd and Kirkland Jr are a go for Saturday. The rest are for sure out.
i agree Bama gets turnovers so cant afford to give them any help Vols can win this game if they keep from doing that
Bama wins this by double digits,but UT will win out and get another crack at them in Atlanta.
I believe if this were last week and Tenn and Bama were facing off instead of Tenn and A&M then we would see a different story entirely and one where the Vols could pull it off and defeat the Tide and Co. However, I really think last week weighs a lot on the shoulders of the Vols players. It’s not easy when you come back week after week and your on a emotional rollercoaster 24-7 and players are getting hurts left and right. Tenn is a tough team and my hat is off to their effort for sure but I just think the timing isn’t good for Tenn coming off the bitter loss last week I could definitely be wrong but if I am right I think the Tide will win 38-21 and my main concern for Tenn is how well can they stop the run with all the injuries, A&M rushed for over 300 yards and if the same repeats this week then it could be a lopsided score. Now turning over to the other side of the ball I see Kamara, Hurd, and mainly Dobbs having some effiemcent runs but I am also concerned about Tenn O-line vs Bama D-line. If they can’t protect Dobbs then he will turn the ball over and it’s nothing against him but nobody is good under pressure, Peyton Manning always struggled against the Ravens and Steelers cause of pressure and heck even Cam Newton struggled due to the Broncos pass rush. All in all this is a rivalry game and it’s college football anything can happen…Roll…tide.
Bama has a true freshman QB, and they give us a “punchers chance.” We will beat them convincingly!
UT-41
Bama- Less than 41
Thanks for the laugh!
I agree
Regardless of injuries, Tennessee’s strength on defense has always been its defensive line, and just like last year this is what will keep Tennessee in the game. They should be able to pressure Hurts and getting DKjr back will help tremendously in stopping the run. Tennessee will need to capitalize on whatever limited opportunities they get to score, but I think Tennessee at least finds a way to make this one interesting.