His mother named him Orlando, his teammates know him as Ryan, but Alabama outside linebackers coach Tosh Lupoi dubs Ryan Anderson simply as “Razor.” The junior was one of many unsung heroes for Alabama last season, totaling 25 tackles, with eight for loss and three sacks. Anderson found himself at the right spot and at the right time against Tennessee.
He recorded three total tackles, but Anderson’s pivotal contribution came with 1:27 left in regulation. Alabama had retaken the lead 19-14, after running back Derrick Henry scored on a 14-yard touchdown run. Tennessee led 14-13 prior to the Crimson Tide’s final scoring drive.
Volunteers’ quarterback Joshua Dobbs and company were looking at second down with 24 yards to go after a sack from Alabama’s Jonathan Allen on first down. Anderson exploded off the ball, generated pressure on Dobbs from the left side, got a sack and stripped the ball from him. Defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson recovered the fumble, ending all hope for a Tennessee comeback. Anderson and Robinson shared the “Ball Out” turnover belt.
Crimson Tide’s senior linebacker Reggie Ragland embraced Anderson with a hug after the play. He was one of six Alabama defenders with a sack, and helped secure the lone forced turnover of the game. Anderson’s play ended being the NAPA Auto Parts Play of the Game.
A week of rest and practice will follow once the cigar smoke simmers down, but for now, Alabama is 7-1 on the year and a perfect 9-0 against the Vols under head coach Nick Saban.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
