The Alabama vs. Tennessee showdown on Saturday night is projected to be a close battle of two flawed but talented teams. The margin for error with both is tiny, and each coaching staff will likely have to unveil an x-factor to win.
For Alabama, it's turning to a run game that has been underutilized despite its effectiveness. The Tide must also anticipate the Volunteers trying to unleash their own secret weapon. Turning to a consensus top-50 player in the 2024 recruiting class would make a lot of sense.
That player is Mike Mitchell.
Ranked as highly as the 30th overall player and the fifth-best receiver by Rivals , the 4-star prospect earned comparisons to Rashee Rice of the Kansas City Chiefs from 247Sports . Although he's only caught two passes in four games, totaling 35 yards and one touchdown, his athleticism has been as clear as day.
Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel talked up Matthews on the SEC Teleconference as well, noting that his great week of preparation and practice means he should see action this week.
Related: Tennessee HC Josh Heupel answers the question that it seems like every Vols fan has been asking
The Tide's secondary has been a strength this season in some ways, but it's not an ironclad group. Malachi Moore is certainly the star, and Keon Sabb, Jaylen Mbakwe, and Domani Jackson have had their stretches of solid play. But it's far from a unit boasting future certain NFL starters, let alone stars.
Mitchell's speed and body control throughout the catch process can be highly problematic. The Vols' receiving corps of Bru McCoy and Squirrel White is not good enough to keep Mitchell from earning some targets in a matchup where they need game-breaking speed.
This scouting report on Matthews certainly reads of a player who Alabama must be aware of at all times on Saturday:
A gifted athlete with an impressive mix of bounce and speed that can generate big plays. Got snaps on both sides of the ball throughout prep career and at one point was viewed by some College Football Playoff regulars as a defensive back at the next level, but ceiling appears to be highest as a wide receiver. Has shown over the years that he can win from both the inside and outside. Always a threat to get loose in the deeper third, but sweet spot appears to be the middle of the field as he can find holes in coverage and provide his quarterback with a high-percentage option. Plucks the football out of the air with strong hands and does a favorable job of boxing out defenders at the catch point, which likely stems from hoops background (was at one point being recruited to play basketball). Rather creative as an open-field runner and will use cutbacks to evade would-be tacklers. Tested in the upper percentile spring before senior season, clocking a 4.4-second effort in the 40-yard dash. Went on to average 19.25 yards per catch as a 12th grader while also making an impact on both defense and special teams in the Peach State’s highest classification. Must keep evolving as a player and getting better at all the little things, but should be viewed as one of the top wideouts in the 2024 cycle that can be a difference-maker on Saturdays and then eventually Sundays. Likely to find most success in a modern spread attack that wants to utilize space and push the tempo.
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