What we learned from Alabama’s imposing win over Tennessee

Stacey Blackwood
·3 min read
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It wasn’t perfect, but No. 4 Alabama was able to gain a convincing 52-24 victory over the Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday night.

At the end of the third quarter, Alabama held just a 24-17 lead but outscored the Vols 28-7 in the fourth.

After each contest, we take a look at a few things we learned from the Alabama performance. Let’s take a peek at what we learned this week.

Play calling is still an issue for the Tide offense

AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

I know it sounds asinine to say that the Alabama offensive play calling is an issue after the Tide puts up 52 on an SEC defense, but it is simply the truth.

Bryce Young once again had over 40 passing attempts in a game where Brian Robinson Jr. and Roydell Williams were having solid performances.

To be fair, offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien decided to feed Brian Robinson Jr. in the fourth quarter. But overall, I still feel like this team needs to continue to feed the running backs and take some of the pressure off of Bryce Young.

Despite a solid performance, big plays haunted the Tide defense

Kns Tennessee Alabama Football Bp

The defensive performance Saturday night for Alabama might be one of the strangest in recent memory. Overall, the defense was really solid. If you take away just three pass plays from the Tennessee offense, they would have had only 139 passing yards in the contest.

The Tide was stout against the run tonight, holding Tennessee to just 64 yards on the ground on 26 carries. Tennessee came into the contest with one of the best rushing attacks in the country, averaging nearly 250 yards rushing per game.

If the defense can limit the big plays from the opposing offenses, they could be one of the better groups in the country.

John Metchie has caught fire

Kns Tennessee Alabama Football Bp

After his best performance of the season last week against Mississippi State, John Metchie followed that up with an even better performance this week against Tennessee.

Metchie finished the contest with 11 catches for 121 yards and two touchdowns.

If Metchie can continue his hot streak, it could take the Alabama offense to the next level.

Will Anderson Jr. should be considered for the Heisman

Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports

I am running out of adjectives to describe one Will Anderson. He is simply splendid.

After last week’s four-sack performance, Anderson followed that up with 1.5 sacks on Saturday night against Tennesse.

If my numbers are correct, Anderson now has 16.5 tackles for loss on the season to go along with 8.5 sacks. I know it is an offensive award, but Anderson should at the very least be a contender for the Heisman Trophy.

Bryce Young decided to use his legs

Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports

Fans have been clamoring all season for Bryce Young to utilize his athletic ability more often. On Saturday night Young granted that wish for Tide fans.

Young’s athleticism was on full display against the Volunteers as he raced past the Tennessee defense for 42 yards and two touchdowns.

Young’s ability to create with his feet could prove to be a lethal weapon for the Tide!

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