SEC’s Best in-Conference Games 2016: #3: Alabama at Tennessee

Tennessee Offense vs. Alabama Defense:

Tennessee’s offense has the potential to be one of the best in the country this season. They have all the pieces. The most important piece is their quarterback, Joshua Dobbs. Dobbs is a dynamic athlete who can beat you with his arm or his legs. Last season he picked up 2291 yards through the air and 671 on the ground. Perhaps even more importantly, he is experienced and takes care of the ball, throwing just 5 picks last year.

In addition, the Vols have a phenomenal one-two punch at running back in Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara. The two are perfect complements to one another. Hurd is big and physical, while Kamara is small and fast. It also doesn’t hurt that they have a veteran offensive line to run behind. The Vols return four of five starters and former 5-star recruit Drew Richmond is ready to fill the gap at left tackle.

In the receiving corps the Vols have two experienced options in the forms of Josh Smith and Josh Malone. Ethan Wolf also returns at tight end. Add in Kamara out of the backfield and that is a lot of weapons for Dobbs to choose from when he looks to go to the air.

Alabama’s defense was great last season. Which is nothing new for Alabama under Nick Saban. The Tide should be great again this year, though they lost a few pieces from last year’s squad. Up front the Tide lost Jarran Reed and A’Shawn Robinson to the NFL Draft. However, they return sack leader Jonathan Allen and nose tackle Daron Payne. The other end spot will be filled by either Dalvin Tomlinson or Da’shawn Hand. They should be one of the top units in the country.

At linebacker, the Tide should also be stout. They lost leader Reggie Ragland, but Reuben Foster seems ready to step into that role. Shaun Dion Hamilton should do well next to Foster on the inside. On the outside, the Tide return two elite pass-rushers in Tim Williams and Ryan Anderson. Rashaan Evans is a versatile weapon who can play inside or outside coming off the bench.

In the secondary the Tide lose two starters, in the forms of Cyrus Jones and Geno Smith. They will be missed. However, the Tide does return safety Eddie Jackson and cornerback Marlon Humphrey. Minkah Fitzpatrick, who saw time at nickel last season, should transition smoothly to the other outside corner spot. Finally, Ronnie Harrison, who saw time at dime should slide into Smith’s role at safety.

Advantage: Alabama (UT’s O will be great. I think the Bama D will be greater).

Next: UA O vs. UT D