Tennessee’s defense will be without its leader for this weekend’s matchup against Alabama.
Tennessee linebacker and leading tackler Keenan Pili will miss the rest of the season after suffering a torn ACL in the Volunteers win against Florida in week six. Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel confirmed the news when speaking to the media on Monday afternoon.
In six games, Pili recorded a team-high 29 tackles. In week five, Pili recorded a season-high 14 tackles against Arkansas. He has been a key player for the Volunteers this season. The expectation is that Tennessee will turn to sophomore linebacker Arion Carter to replace Pili. Carter is second on the team with 27 tackles. He was recruited by the former Alabama coaching staff and is a good replacement for Pili.
Alabama’s offense could look to take advantage of Tennessee’s youth at the linebacker position, however. Alongside Carter, the Volunteers will have sophomore Jeremiah Telander and freshman Jalen Smith.
Pili’s absence will certainly affect Tennessee’s defense this weekend. Can Alabama’s offense take advantage of Pili being out of the lineup?
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