Last Meeting: Alabama 23, Tennessee 15 in Season 19
The Third Saturday in October has been orange historically but it is about to get a new coat of paint with Coach BFiVL on the verge of winning six of the last seven.
This season 20 matchup will be the 21st meeting between the two teams due to a season 9 meeting in the SEC Championship Game. Tennessee dominated Alabama that season winning 38-3 in the regular season and 34-0 in the rematch to determine the king of the SEC.
This season Alabama is in a weird situation coming off an 11-2 season where just a single point kept them from a spot in the National Championship. Now, they begin the season with two conference losses and sit at 3-2 in desperate need of wins in the SEC.
Tennesse has struggled in recent history in the NDL but this season Coach LytezOut is looking to right the ship as Tennessee is on the verge of the polls at 3-1 and looking to start SEC play in winning fashion. The Crimson Tide will be Tennessee's 5th ranked opponent thus far in season 20.
THE MATCHUP
When you think of SEC football you think of strong defense, a lack of errors, and a lot of field goals and that is exactly what should be seen when Alabama and Tennessee meet in Tuscaloosa.
Tennessee quarterback Matt Simms may soon have a claim to Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan's nickname, "Matty Ice," if he continues his stellar play. Simms is leading the Vols with smart play as he has thrown atleast one touchdown in every game, six total, and no interceptions.
Simms also has had no need to have his jersey cleaned thus far having only been sacked once in four games. That being a big factor in why he is making great decisions but it will be tough for that type of success to continue against an Alabama defense that contains unbelievable speed and talent. It will truly be Simms' biggest test of the season.
Alabama, on the other hand, relies more on the running game as they are not receiving good quarterback play from Greg McElroy who currently has a 1:2 touchdown to interception ratio.
All in all, Alabama and Tennessee have put up similar offensive numbers to begin the season with Alabama supporting better balance in their offensive attack but less success on the scoreboard.
That balance may play a key factor in determing the winner in this game. While Tennessee ranks as the top defense in all of the land a lot of their success comes off of shutting down the running game. The Vols have yet to allow more than 51 yards in a single game to the opposing teams backfield but waiting for them on the other side in this meeting is the third best rushing attack in the league.
HB Mark Ingram and HB Trent Richardson average 195 yards a game. Similar numbers against Tennessee and Alabama controls the game by keeping the ball out of Matt Simms' hands. The Alabama rush offense against the Tennessee rush defense will truly be THE key facet in the rivalry meeting.
PREDICTION
Although Tennessee comes into this game with a better record and more momentum they have yet to experience a more imposing combination of coach experience and talent on the field, and they have already lost a ball game.
That top ranked defense of the Vols will be tested like no other by the Alabama backfield and should not put too much pressure on QB Greg McElroy to makes plays as Ingram and Richardson should handle the load.
I do not expect Alabama to dominate but I do think all the key battles in the trenches will be won by Alabama playing on their home field. Ingram and Richardson should total over 140 yards rushing and Matt Simms should have a dirty jersey for the first time this season as Alabama looks to right the ship here in Season 20.
Tennessee 13
Alabama 17
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