Alabama football continues its Southeastern Conference schedule with a road game versus Vanderbilt.
Clark Lea and the Commodores look to provide a competitive matchup at FirstBank Stadium and possibly pull out an upset victory over the Crimson Tide. Alabama comes off a thrilling win over Georgia, but it cannot afford a letdown this week.
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The focus has been on finishing games strong.
Alabama has multiple keys to success for the contest, but the most significant ones are below.
1. Alabama needs to establish a consistent run game
It likes to have Jalen Milroe on designed quarterback runs, but Alabama needs to establish the consistent one, two punch of Justice Haynes and Jam Miller against Vanderbilt. The Crimson Tide has a healthy offensive line and it needs to show it can finish games by wearing down opponents in running the football. Alabama got Miller going against Wisconsin for massive production, yet it needs to get back to him, Haynes, and Richard Young. The Tide has to show it brings an elite rushing attack.
2. A pass rush leader needs to emerge
Kane Wommack has a lot of talented players on his defensive front, but someone for Alabama needs to emerge as an elite pass rushing specialist.
The Tide does not have a Dallas Turner, Chris Braswell, or Will Anderson Jr. that can take over a game. LT Overton, Que Robinson, and Qua Russaw have flashed potential to be significant sack specialists, but they have to be consistent.
Robinson leads the team for sacks (3.5), while Overton and Russaw each have a sack.
Alabama needs that specialist on defense that commands a double team to create opportunities for others.
3. Alabama must contain and control Diego Pavia
Diego Pavia is the engine to push Vanderbilt’s offense.
He is a dual threat quarterback with 721 passing yards, 279 rushing yards, and eight total touchdowns.
Alabama has to find a way to contain and control Pavia. He has the ability to extend plays in the passing game, while having the athleticism to run through defenders. Pavia is a tough competitor, so the Tide has to find ways to shake his confidence.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
