Areas of concern ahead of Alabama’s Week 8 matchup against Tennessee

In order for Alabama to indulge in post-game cigar celebrations following their upcoming match against Tennessee, the Crimson Tide must demonstrate improvements in various areas. Over the course of the first seven games, Alabama has showcased excellent defensive prowess, particularly in the past four weeks. However, the offense has struggled with inconsistencies, particularly along the offensive line, leading to a lack of confidence among Alabama fans.

This season, the offense has been plagued by turnovers and penalties, which have ultimately hindered the Crimson Tide. These issues must be rectified before their upcoming clash against the No. 17-ranked Tennessee. Roll Tide Wire delves into the critical concerns that Alabama must address heading into their Week 8 matchup against the Volunteers.

1. Blocking Tennessee’s defensive front:
Tennessee has secured an impressive 24 sacks in just six games. Notably, their defensive front has accounted for 20 of these sacks, with defensive linemen Tyler Baron and James Pearce Jr. amassing a combined 11 sacks. Alabama’s offensive line has struggled to effectively block defensive ends and edge rushers, making this upcoming matchup a formidable challenge for the Crimson Tide.

2. Establishing the run:
Statistically, Alabama has averaged fewer rushing yards per game this season than during any other season under head coach Nick Saban. In the highly competitive SEC, the ground game needs to be consistently strong, but Alabama’s offensive line has struggled to generate movement and create running lanes. Tennessee boasts one of the top front sevens in college football, posing a significant threat to Alabama’s running game.

3. Neutralizing Tennessee’s three-headed rushing attack:
Tennessee has adopted a ‘running back by committee’ approach this season, often playing whichever running back is performing the best. This strategy has proven successful, with Jaylen Wright, Jabari Small, and Dylan Sampson collectively rushing for 1,203 yards and nine touchdowns. The Volunteers are averaging over 200 rushing yards per game, presenting a challenge for Alabama’s defense. To secure a win, Alabama must contain Tennessee’s rushing attack, as they did against Texas A&M.

4. Penalties:
Alabama has struggled with penalties in recent years, with 48 penalties for 388 yards in the 2023 season. Pre-snap penalties and snap infractions have been particularly problematic. With Tennessee’s defensive line being one of their strengths, Alabama must maintain discipline throughout the game to avoid unnecessary penalties. In 2022, Alabama had 17 penalties for 130 yards against Tennessee, resulting in a disastrous outcome. The same level of discipline is crucial this time around.

5. Playing for four quarters:
One of Alabama’s main weaknesses this season has been their inability to maintain consistency and play at their highest level for the entire game. Often, the Crimson Tide let their performance dip, particularly in the second half. In their Week 7 matchup against Arkansas, Alabama held a comfortable 21-6 lead at halftime but struggled in the second half. They were outscored 15-3, narrowly clinching the victory. Consistency and unwavering effort throughout the entire game are essential for Alabama to emerge victorious against Tennessee.

This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire.

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Alex Martin

Alex Martin is your guide to the global phenomenon of football. With a focus on international leagues and tournaments, he provides match commentary, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of football.