Can Alabama’s defense take advantage of Tennessee’s biggest weakness?

This matchup between Alabama and Tennessee may be different from what it was two years ago.

The 2022 game at Neyland Stadium was electric as you had two NFL-caliber quarterbacks in Bryce Young and Hendon Hooker going at it in Knoxville, Tenn. Hooker carved up the Crimson Tide’s defense and the Volunteers offense produced a 52-49 victory, ending a 15-year streak of wins for Alabama over the Vols. Josh Heupel prides himself on having an uptempo attack filled with marquee plays, but does he have it this season? It has been a struggle for Tennessee as Nico Iamaleava is not Hooker. 

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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.

Stephen M. Smith

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 15 years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.