Alabama’s offensive line faced the best pass-rushing team in the Southeastern Conference two weeks ago and held it to one sack.
The Crimson Tide did more than hold its own versus Arkansas, but will it bring the energy against Tennessee?
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Nick Saban told reporters Thursday during his radio show the ‘energy’ and ‘enthusiasm’ was good in practice all week. He said the players are ready to execute the game plan Saturday at Neyland Stadium. Alabama’s offensive front has two big responsibilities on the road: limit the penalties (false starts) and control the line of scrimmage. Seth McLaughlin has the Tide playing better up front since earning the starting job at center versus the Razorbacks. He has guided Jahmyr Gibbs to back-to-back 100-yard games.
Tennessee’s pass defense is suspect, but it does have a stout front seven.
The Volunteers are second in the SEC and 11th nationally against the run (89.2 yards per game). Tennessee is third in the conference for sacks (14) standing behind Alabama and Arkansas. The Vols are averaging nearly three (2.8) a game.
Byron Young, a senior, is Tennessee’s leader on the defensive line. He carries a team-high 10 quarterback hurries and has 3.5 sacks with 4.5 tackles for loss. Roman Harrison, Aaron Beasley, Tyler Barron, Jeremy Banks, Joshua Josephs, Elijah Herring, and Bryson Eason make up the Vols’ defensive front. Tennessee looks to come after Bryce Young (should he play) or Jalen Milroe (if he makes his second straight start). They will have the crowd in their favor, and Saban wants to be sure the offensive line is ready.
“I know they’re quick and do a lot of stunting,” Saban said about Tennessee’s defensive front. “They do a lot of movement up front, they do a lot of pressuring. I think the No. 1 thing is you’ve gotta get a hat on a hat.”
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Alabama has to dominate in pass protection and run blocking. It cannot afford several sacks of Young or Milroe, and it cannot have numerous three-and-outs on offense. The Tide suffered 2+ turnovers, but it defeated Texas A&M. It will not be as fortunate if it turns the ball over against the Volunteers. Alabama’s offensive line has to have a performance similar to Arkansas this week.
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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 @CoachingMSmith.
