Alabama turns attention to “third Saturday in October” after scare.

By WVUA-23 sports reporter Tommy Camp

Even after getting past South Carolina and avoiding a second straight loss, it wouldn’t be crazy to say the Crimson Tide are struggling. Despite its strong 5-1 record and No. 7 ranking in both Top 25 polls, Alabama has been a three-touchdown favorite in each of its last two games, but has been outscored by a total of three points against Vanderbilt and South Carolina.

The Crimson Tide’s upcoming opponent, rival Tennessee, also has problems. After outscoring their non-conference opponents 191-13 in three games, the Volunteers outscored their three conference opponents by just 11 points (62-51), lost one game in that time (Kentucky) and went to overtime again before they pulled out the win (Florida).

Alabama knows how this game will end. Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack acknowledged that the Volunteers are a running football team, adding that their success running the ball allowed Redhsirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava to open up the passing game.

“Their running back is elite and it was very impressive to see what he was able to do,” Wommack said. “He was very patient with the running maneuvers and managed to make guys miss at the point of contact, which resulted in him gaining yards after contact.”

Tennessee ranks 7th nationally with 246 rush yards per game. Alabama’s defense ranks 55th nationally and 14th in the SEC in giving up rushing yards. Their running back Dylan Sampson has been the one carrying the load so far this season, averaging six yards per carry. Sampson is eighth nationally in receiving yards with 699 and second in touchdowns with 15.

The Tide defense has also struggled on third down defense of late, allowing 19/33 successful conversions in the last two games while allowing just 11/65 in the first four games. Wommack admitted the defense “didn’t get the consistency we needed.” [he knows they] are able to do this.”

The Tide will also look to score more runs after running backs Jam Miller and Justice Haynes averaged just 15 runs combined in the last two games. However, trying to implement that facet this week could be a challenge as Tennessee’s front seven is allowing just 79 yards per game on the ground, good for fifth in the country.

Alabama offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan admitted Tennessee’s strength lies in the front seven.

“I would say the size and athleticism of their front seven stands out the most. They have depth up front and are very well coached,” Sheridan said.

However, he and head coach Kalen DeBoer both want to get the ground game going with the running backs and not just Jalen Milroe.

“We would be happy if the number of transmissions they received was higher. That number is lower because of Jalen, but it’s hard to argue that he’s not getting carried away when he’s making some of his runs,” DeBoer said.

Alabama will face Tennessee in an SEC Championship elimination game at Neyland Stadium on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Since the loser of this game is coming off two losses this season, this game has the potential to be a playoff eliminator as well.