In what seemed to be a disastrous start for Alabama with wide receiver Jaylen Waddle getting knocked out of the game with a lower-body injury, the Crimson Tide offense was still able to get a ton of production in the first half.
Quarterback Mac Jones has once again put in an impressive first-half performance for Alabama. He started the game off 10/10 and led the team to three straight scoring drives after punting on the first possession.
Jones also connected with sophomore receiver John Metchie and junior Slade Bolden a number of times for big gains that set up the team’s run game.
Najee Harris and Brian Robinson have both had success on the ground against the Volunteer’s front so far. The two are combining to average more than five yards per carry and each has a rushing touchdown on the day.
The offensive line of Alabama has also created a strong push in the red zone for Robinson and Harris to run through and cleared a path for Jones to sneak his way through for his own rushing touchdown.
Alabama’s offensive leaders in the first half:
Mac Jones: 17/21 297 yards
Najee Harris: 11 carries 49 yards two touchdowns, five catches 51 yards
Slade Bolden: four catches 81 yards
John Metchie: three catchers 88 yards
On the defensive side of the ball, the Crimson Tide once again flashed signs of being a strong defense. But defending the run still proved to be an area of concern for Pete Golding’s unit.
The Volunteers had success picking up third downs with both designed runs and scrambles from Jarrett Guarantano. The unit had one mishap in the secondary which resulted in a long touchdown pass for Tennessee’s only touchdown of the half.
All in all, it was still an encouraging performance from the defense.
Alabama’s defensive leaders in the first half:
Christian Harris: six tackles
Patrick Surtain: three tackles, one pass breakup
Byron Young: three tackles, one tackle for loss
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
