TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – It’s the third Saturday in October, which means the Crimson Tide and Volunteers will meet for their annual matchup, this time in Tuscaloosa. It’s a game unlike many others for Alabama in recent memory with revenge on their mind for the first time since 2007.

While Alabama leads the all-time series 58-39-7, Tennessee won the last game in Knoxville, a dramatic 52-49 game that came down to the final snap. While fans on both sides will not forget that day for a long time, there is a lot to look forward to for this years meeting.

Alabama is coming into this game with a lot on the line. At 6-1 and 4-0 in the SEC, not only is getting to the SEC Championship a must, but another loss would almost entirely put Alabama on the outside of the playoff picture. A 24-21 win over Arkansas did not settle down nerves about the 2023 team, and a second half where the team only scored three points is worrying.

Jalen Milroe started the game 7-for-10 with two touchdowns, but a horrid second half say him go 3-for-11 and finish the game under with under a 50 percent completion percentage. While there was plenty of blame to go around for why the second half offense was sluggish, the fact is that cannot happen against a Tennessee team that has been able to score a lot of points.

On the other side of the field, Tennessee comes into the game 5-1, and 2-1 in the SEC. They are also looking to stay in the playoff picture, but have a lot to do to still get there. A 20-13 win over Texas A&M last week raised questions about the Volunteers offense, but overall there is still a lot of firepower in Head Coach Josh Heupel’s team.

Joe Milton III leads the offense at quarterback looking to bounce back after struggling. He threw for just 100 yards and was 11-f0r-22 in the game, but he was able to gut out a win and made plays when he needed to. The Tennessee offense scores 33 points-per-game on average, which puts them 37th in the country in that stat.

The main concern for Alabama will be how the offensive line manages the Tennessee defense. The Vols only give up 17 points-per-game, making them tied for 17th in the country. They are fourth in the country in total sacks, according to the NCAA, with 24. As the Alabama offensive line has struggled with blitz coverage, that is the area of the field Alabama needs to improve on if they want to win this game.

Alabama’s defense will have to continue to shine, especially if the offense continues to struggle. Defensive Coordinator Kevin Steele’s second half adjustments have been great all season, but Arkansas found something that worked against it, a dynamic quarterback. The Crimson Tide will have to contain Joe Milton and limit his arm if they want to win. That’s easier said than done, but Texas A&M was able to do it by forcing Milton to make super accurate throws, and Alabama needs to follow that model of pressure.

While this edition of the Third Saturday in October probably won’t be a 52-49 track meet, the stakes are just as high as ever for both of these teams. Alabama will have to try and control the tempo on offense and set the tone on defense to improve to stay perfect in SEC play.

 

Joe Schatz is a senior writer and assistant editor for WVUA-FM Sports. You can follow him on X @joe15schatz.