GIF recap: Breaking down Alabama’s four sacks against Tennessee

Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joey Aguilar (6) is pressured by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Yhonzae Pierre (42) during the first quarter at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Photo | David Leong-Imagn Images

Cigars weren’t the only thing getting lit up inside Bryant-Denny Stadium over the weekend. Alabama’s previously quiet pass rush caught fire during its 37-20 win over Tennessee, sacking Volunteers quarterback Joey Aguilar four times on the night 

Before the win, Alabama’s defense had recorded just nine sacks over its previous six games this season. Meanwhile, Tennessee entered the matchup allowing just four sacks over six games. 

Yhonzae Pierre was Tennessee’s biggest problem. The 6-foot-3, 248-pound edge rusher recorded three sacks against the Volunteers, becoming the first Crimson Tide defender to reach that total in a game since 2022. One of Pierre’s sacks resulted in a safety, as he forced Aguilar into an intentional grounding penalty in the end zone to put Alabama up 9-7 midway through the second quarter.

James Smith tallied Alabama’s fourth sack of the evening, marking the first time he got to an opposing quarterback this year. The Tide will hope that sparks the 6-foot-3, 297-pound defensive tackle to more success in the second half of the season. 

“We’re still inconsistent,” Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack said on Monday. “Very proud of Yhonzae Pierre and some of the things he did. I think you look at the plays he affected the quarterback, he did his job. He did his job at a high level. And when you do your job consistently, good things happen. That’s something we’ve continued to stress with him and a number of our players. Just doing your job at a more consistent, high level, and production will come from that.”

Alabama will need all of its pass-rushing prowess this week as it looks to take down South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers. Before we look ahead at this weekend’s matchup against the Gamecocks, here’s a breakdown of all four of the Tide’s sacks against Tennessee.