Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide are in for a big one this week against No. 17 Tennessee.

The Vols used a dominant defensive performance and efficient ground play to down Texas A&M last week in Knoxville, 20-13. However, the Vols’ passing attack has left plenty to be desired thus far.

However, Alabama’s head coach said Monday that he doesn’t see Vols starter Joe Milton as much of a change of pace compared to Hendon Hooker at Tennessee last season.

Specifically, Saban was asked how to prepare for a dual-threat QB like Milton, who did have some nice runs against the Aggies last week.

Here’s his response:

“I don’t see Joe a whole lot different than what we’ve played against in the past when Hooker was there,” Saban said. “Guy can throw the ball, he’s accurate, he’s got a strong arm. He can make plays down the field. They take a lot of vertical shots, he certainly has the capability of making those plays. He’s also athletic enough to extend plays in the pocket and run if necessary. We don’t tell (the Tide defense) anything different than any other time we’re playing a quarterback, you can’t get pushed by other quarterbacks.”

Hear more from Saban here:

A lot of Tennessee fans may scoff at that answer.

Milton has really struggled to push Tennessee’s offense downfield this year. The Vols QB doesn’t make too many detrimental mistakes, but he has seen inaccuracy issues, especially downfield. Milton has completed just over 61% of his attempts this season, which ranks 10th in the conference.

As a runner, Hendon Hooker was quite a bit more adept compared to Milton. Of course, the latter is still a physical specimen and can beat a defense with his legs – he has 173 rushing yards with 4 touchdowns this season, after all – but none in the SEC compare to what Hooker was in that regard, save perhaps LSU’s Jayden Daniels.

What do you think, Vols fans?