Alabama Football: Crimson Tide Will Crush Tennessee Volunteers

Although it may not be played on the third Saturday in October, the so titled rivalry is still one of the most significant in college football. With Tennessee limping in to this years game at 3-3, some might feel that the matchup is lack-luster. Don't tell that to Tide and Volunteer fans.

Alabama is looking to roll into its bye week with good momentum before the LSU game. Tennessee would love nothing more than to spoil Alabama's chances at playing for a National Championship.

Unfortunately for the Volunteers, they probably don't have the players to pull that off this season. With that said, let's take a look at why the Crimson Tide will handle their business against Tennessee this weekend.  

Matt Simms

Any chance Tennessee had of pulling an upset basically went out the window when Tyler Bray injured his thumb.

In two seasons at Tennessee, Matt Simms has completed just under 56 percent of his passes with an 8-7 touchdown to interception ratio. These aren’t terrible numbers, but he certainly won’t carry the load for a team that can’t run the ball. 

Tennessee Offensive Woes

In the past two games, this Tennessee offense has put up only 19 points. Matt Simms was ineffective in his first start against LSU but the struggles had already begun. Through three and a half quarters against Georgia, Tyler Bray had only led the Volunteers to 6 points.

Tennessee ranks 114th out of 120 teams in rushing yards per game. Against Alabama’s top ranked rush defense, that means Matt Simms will be asked to win this game. That can’t give Tennessee fans a good feeling. 

Alabama Running Game

Through seven games of the season, I think it’s safe to say that Alabama’s running game is back. Alabama ranks 12th in the nation, averaging 241 rushing yards per game. This team, much like the one in 2009, is consistently running the ball to set up short third downs and physically dominating opposing defensive lines in the fourth quarter.

Tennessee ranks in the bottom half of rush defenses in the country. All the stats indicate that the Tide should have another productive day on the ground Saturday. 

Development of A. J. McCarron

No longer does it seem that teams can bank on A.J. McCarron’s inability to beat them. Alabama has used the last couple of games as a chance to test McCarron, and he’s passed that test.

He’s thrown for 461 yards and five touchdowns while completing over 77 percent of his passes in his last two games. The coaching staff has put a little more on his shoulders, throwing often on first down to keep the defense honest.

McCarron also hasn’t thrown an interception since Week 1 of the season. 

Nick Saban vs. Derek Dooley

At this point, the jury is still out on whether Derek Dooley has what it takes to be a successful coach in the SEC. Certainly the talent level isn’t the same between Alabama and Tennessee. Adding to the disparity are the injuries Tennessee has sustained this season.

Seeing the chance Alabama has in front of it, Saban’s focus is as single minded as ever. I can’t imagine Saban allowing his team to take its foot of the gas and Dooley’s team, quite simply, isn’t ready to win a game like this.