Casey's Corner: Tide Tramples Tennessee

If Alabama fans were worried about how the Tide’s secondary would survive when graduation claimed impact cornerback Simeon Castille, they can rest easy.

When true freshman Kareem Jackson stepped in front of an Erik Ainge pass in the third quarter to prevent a game-tying touchdown on Saturday, he gave the Crimson Tide all the momentum they needed en route to a 41-17 win over Tennessee.

Jackson was all over the field, racking up six total tackles, two pass breakups, and two interceptions—a performance earning him the SEC Freshman of the Week Award.

Senior defensive end Wallace Gilberry sang Jackson’s praises after the game saying, “He could definitely be the next Simeon Castille here.”

Jackson wasn’t the only player wearing crimson to have a big day Saturday.

Quarterback John Parker Wilson had arguably his best game of the season, completing 32 of 46 passes for a career high 363 yards and three touchdowns.

“Guys were getting open,” Wilson said after the game. “The O-line blocked great, and it makes it easy when guys get open like that.”

Wilson should think about giving himself some credit as well.

The junior spread the ball all over the field and regularly put his team in a position to score points. He also made some plays with his legs, rushing six times for 28 yards and keeping several scoring drives alive.

Wide receiver D.J. Hall had another banner day, and broke yet another school record in the process.

Hall caught a record 13 passes for 185 yards and two scores.

Freshman Terry Grant excelled on the ground, carrying 26 times for 104 yards and a touchdown. He also caught six passes for 31 yards and a score.

Alabama (6-2, 4-1 SEC) put together its first complete game of the season, showing consistency on both sides of the ball.

The offense seemed to score at will, piling up a season high 510 yards. The defense played well, especially in the second half when it held the Vols to a goose egg.

The 60-minute effort was not lost on head coach Nick Saban.

“This is the first time we’ve played a complete game,” said Saban. “We challenge our players to play each play as if it has a history of its own, focus on that play, believe in themselves and each other and they did a fantastic job of that today.”

Alabama has a much-needed bye week before it faces the LSU Tigers on November 3rd, in a showdown that could decide the winner of the SEC West.

Tide Tidbits

- Senior guard Justin Britt returned to the starting lineup after a one-game absence to be with his mother, who suffered injuries after an accident.

- Five Alabama players, including two starters on the offensive line, were suspended by the Alabama athletic department on Friday night, forcing the Tide to plug the holes on one day's notice.

- Running back Terry Grant set a new freshman yardage record in the game. Grant’s 697 yards moves him past the previous mark of 693 set by Kerry Goode.
 

- Alabama’s 41-17 win gave the Tide its largest margin of victory over the Vols since 1986.