Alabama wide receiver refers to opportunity to go against the Tennessee defense as ‘field of dreams’

Oct 19, 2024; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Germie Bernard (5) runs the ball against Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Jeremiah Telander (22) during the second quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Alan Poizner-Imagn Images

Germie Bernard feels Alabama football’s wide receivers have an opportunity to make some big plays against the Tennessee defense on this weekend.

The Volunteers’ defense has allowed 257.8 passing yards per game, which gives the Vols one of the nation’s worst pass defenses through six games this fall. Bernard has been the Tide’s most productive pass catcher this season, leading the team in all receiving categories with 25 receptions for 392 yards and 5 touchdowns. The wideout has watched the Vols on film, and he believes Tennessee’s tendency to play man-to-man opens up opportunities for him and his fellow wide receivers.

“They like to play man-to-man, and they want to bring the house,” Alabama wide receiver Bernard told The Next Round podcast on Monday. “So, yeah, it’s a great opportunity for our offense. They give up a lot of yards, but that’s because they trust and believe in their guys to get the job done. For us to have the opportunity to go against man-to-man, it’s a field of dreams. That’s what receivers want, those one-on-one matchups. It’s just gonna be up to us to go out there and make the plays.”

Bernard pulled in five receptions for 72 yards against the Vols last season.