TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Alabama offense is going to have its work cut out for it on Saturday afternoon.
As the No. 7 Crimson Tide travels to Knoxville to take on No. 11 Tennessee, the matchup between Alabama’s offense and the Volunteer defense looms large.
The Crimson Tide offense has been one of the best units in the country this season. Alabama currently ranks 8th nationally with 41.7 points per game, and averages over 440 yards per game. On the flip side, Tennessee’s defensive unit has been incredibly stout, giving up the second-fewest yards per game in the country and only allowing 10.7 points per contest.
Tennessee has yet to give up 20 points in any game this season, including three games against SEC competition.
Ahead of the matchup this weekend, Alabama offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan discussed what makes Tennessee’s defense so challenging to face.
“I would just say the size and athleticism,” Sheridan said. “I think there’s depth up front. I think they’re very well-coached. I have familiarity with coaches on that staff and have a tremendous amount of respect for them. But I think the depth, the size, the speed, the athleticism, they’re excellent and obviously have been very productive.”
The Volunteer front line is one of the best in the nation, led by defensive end James Pearce , an absolute game-wrecker and projected first round NFL Draft pick. Pearce only has two sacks on the season, but has pressured the quarterback an impressive 22 times, showing his ability to win his matchup with the offensive lineman in front of him.
While Tennessee has struggled in its past few games, it hasn’t at all been due to its defense. The defense has actually been what’s kept the Vols in many of these SEC games where its offense has stalled. One of the biggest reasons for that has been its red zone defense, where Tennessee ranks 6th nationally in opponent red zone scoring rate.
Sheridan noted how strongly Tennessee has performed in those high-pressure spots.
“I think they’ve been outstanding in critical moments,” Sheridan said. “You know, short-yardage situations, red-zone situations. Not just the front but the entire unit, they’ve really risen up and made some really quality plays in some critical moments that have kept teams out of the end zone. It’s impressive, both for their coaches to get their players to perform at a high level in those moments and certainly for the players to execute at those times. It’s been impressive to see on film.”
Though this is Sheridan’s first season with Alabama, he’s no stranger to the Third Saturday in October rivalry. Sheridan served as a graduate assistant at Tennessee from 2014-2016, facing off with Alabama three times during his tenure there.
He fully understands what this rivalry is about, and the energy that will be on display this Saturday.
“I think just the passion, the intensity of the game, that’s what stands out the most. The environments that you compete in are as good as it gets in college football. And so that’s what stands the most in this game,” Sheridan said.
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