What Alabama football needs to do to close out Tennessee in second half

Oct 18, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joey Aguilar (6) is sacked by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Yhonzae Pierre (42) during the first quarter at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images

Alabama football currently leads Tennessee at halftime in the annual “Third Saturday of October” rivalry.

Here is a look at what the Crimson Tide need to do to close out this one:

Come Out Hot In 2nd Half

– Alabama gets the ball back to start the second half. Coming out guns firing with a good set of plays could give the Tide complete control of the game.

– Continue To Generate Pressure

Alabama football’s redshirt sophomore, Yhonzae Pierre played like a man possessed in the first half. He was credited with a sack on three plays in the first half, finishing the half with 2.5 sacks. Those sacks completely halted drives by the Vols. Alabama needs to continue to put pressure on Joey Aguilar.

– Have Long Effective Drives

The Crimson Tide would benefit from doing what it has done well a lot this season in the second half and that is having long-time-burning drives that result in points.

– Establish The Run Game

Alabama football would benefit from establishing its run game in the second half with its running backs, especially if this one gets tight in the second half. Running the football could help the Tide control the pace of the game by dominating the time of possession battle.

– Limit Big Plays

Alabama did a relatively good job of protecting against the big plays in the first half, but the Vols did manage to rip off a handful. Alabama limited Tennessee to five plays of ten yards in more in the first half. Doing this in the second half as well could go a long way for the Tide.