Roman Harper, Matt Stinchcomb offer key areas to watch in Alabama-Tennessee

No. 3 Alabama at No. 6 Tennessee has the chance to be another instant classic in the series. By the end of the game, one of the undefeated juggernauts will have its first blemish.

The SEC Network crew discussed some key areas to be on the lookout for during the matchup.

Matt Stinchcomb is interested in seeing if the protection will hold up for Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker. Hooker has completed 70 percent of his passes for 1,432 yards, 10 touchdowns, and no interceptions. Stinchcomb also praises Hooker for his dynamic passing ability.

“The challenge is going to be where he’s operating from. So far this year, he’s had a sterile environment. That means a clean pocket. They’ve only given up pressure on 16 percent of their dropbacks.” Stinchcomb said….These are deep balls. You can’t just the ball out in under two seconds because you’re trying to keep your quarterback clean.”

Roman Harper, meanwhile, focused on the need for Alabama’s defense to harass Hooker.

“Alabama’s defense must get pressure. That’s where it’s going to start,” Harper said. “They’ve got 3 really good pass rushers in [Chris] Braswell, Dallas Turner who you just spoke with, and of course Will Anderson the Terminator.”

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While those players are important, Harper singled out a freshman who he thinks could make the difference for Alabama’s defense.

“But the one player who I think is going to be even more important this week for the Alabama defensive line is the young freshman by the name of Jaheim Oatis. This guy is large and is definitely much so in charge…” Harper said. “He will play a large part in stopping the run, making Tennessee more one-dimensional. That will allow the pass rushers to get after this guy just a little bit more and you can tighten up the screws on the outside.”

Oatis has 17 total tackles and a sack this season.

Alabama-Tennessee is slated for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff on Saturday and will be televised on CBS.