SEC’s Best in-Conference Games 2016: #3: Alabama at Tennessee
Alabama Offense vs. Tennessee Defense
As it has for the past two seasons, the Alabama Crimson Tide will have a new starting quarterback this season. I had thought, until perhaps a week ago, that Cooper Bateman would be that new starting quarterback. But Tide insiders have been raving about the performances of redshirt freshman Blake Barnett, and true freshman Jalen Hurts. When I attended Alabama’s Fan Day I thought Hurts was the most impressive. At this point who even knows who will win?
The running back position needs a new starter as well, but the waters are much less murky here. Bo Scarbrough is set to start with Damien Harris and true freshman B.J. Emmons backing him up. Scarbrough is essentially a Derrick Henry clone. He’s big, strong, and surprisingly fast. Harris struggled as a freshman last season but looked much better during the A-Day game. Emmons is young but he runs hard. He was very impressive at Fan Day.
The one offensive position where the Tide has an incredible amount of experience is at wide receiver. Calvin Ridley is a star already. Ardarius Stewart is getting better with every game, and he has all the tools needed to be a star as well. Robert Foster was starting ahead of Ridley before he was injured against Ole Miss. Transfer Gehrig Dieter can just plain catch the football. If Bama can find a quarterback, this group’s potential is limitless.
On the offensive line Bama returns three starters. Fortunately, one is left tackle Cam Robinson. The other is Ross Pierschbacher who is moving from left guard to center this season. Alphonse Taylor may have lost his job at right guard. Bradley Bozeman has been taking first team reps there during Fall Camp. Lester Cotton and Jonah Williams are penciled in at left guard and right tackle respectively.
Last year Tennessee’s defense was solid, though not elite. They ranked 36th in the country in total defense. The good news for the Vols is that pretty much the entire unit is returning for another crack at the division crown.
Derek Barnett is an excellent pass rusher at defensive end, while his counterpart Corey Vereen is more of a veteran run-stuffer. Tackle Kahlil McKenzie has slimmed down in an effort to up his quickness and stamina. The Vols have good depth as well, particularly at end. Wherever Jonathan Kongbo plays expect him to be a terror.
At linebacker Jalen-Reeves Maybin will lead the way. His partner Darrin Kirkland Jr. will be right there with him. Together, they form the critical joint that the entire defense will pivot on. Cortez McDowell looks to man the other side of the linebacking corps.
Tennessee also has one of the premiere cornerbacks in the conference in Cameron Sutton. The only really glaring potential Achilles’ heel of the defense is the safety position. Both of last season’s starters are gone. Todd Kelly Jr. looks to be the man on one side, while the other side may be occupied by the explosive return man Evan Berry.
Advantage: Tennessee
Next: Special Teams and Coaching