TUSCALOOSA, Ala.– Despite being a 36-point underdog, Alabama’s offense did not provide a dominant first half performance against Tennessee. Regardless of taking a 21-0 lead into halftime, penalties and issues in the passing game limited the Tide from being consistent.
While quarterback Jalen Hurts accounted for 144 passing yards on nine of 17 attempts, there were multiple moments where he held onto the ball too long and did not seem confident.
Damien Harris leads Alabama in rushing with 55 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries.
Josh Jacobs comes behind him with 26 rushing yards on three carries, and Bo Scarbrough was credited with a pair of scores. Calvin Ridley leads all receivers with 51 yards on five receptions, including a long catch of 26 yards. He was target nine times and averaged 10.2 yards a catch.
Defensively, safety Hootie Jones and linebacker Rashaan Evans each totaled five tackles to lead the squad. Anfernee Jennings and Isaiah Buggs both chimed in with four stops, while cornerback Levi Wallace had three tackles and a sack. Alabama’s defense created two sacks, six tackles for loss and five quarterback hurries in the first half. Although it outgained the Volunteers 252-66 and converted on half its third down attempts – four of eight – the Tide did not look sharp.
In getting the ball to start the second half, Alabama will need a complete effort from its offensive line and a more assertive effort from Hurts in connecting with players on time with the ball.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
