Tennessee vs Alabama: Report Card Grades for the Tide's Win vs. Tennesee

Alabama started off slow against their bitter rival the Tennessee Volunteers. Going into the locker room at halftime, the score was tied at 6-6. The Crimson Tide eventually caught their footing in the second half, pushing through the Vols to an eventual 37-6 victory.

Trent Richardson was held to less than 100 yards in the game and looked less than impressive from the running back position. Tennessee did all they could to crowd the box and stop the Alabama rushing attack.

While the Volunteers did hold up against the Bama rushing attack, they allowed the passing yards to rain down and A.J. McCarron took advantage of the opportunity. Taking a glance back at the game between the Tide and Vols, here is the Alabama report card.

Offense: B

Alabama looked very efficient through the air during the second half against the Volunteers. Alabama’s A.J. McCarron finished the game 17-of-26 for 284 yards and one touchdown. McCarron was able to find space with his receivers and attacked the Volunteers' secondary to perfection.

The Alabama rushing attack looked a little lackluster against the Volunteers, but a lot of that was a result of Tennessee daring Alabama to run when the numbers didn’t match. Tennessee stacked the box and focused on forcing Alabama to beat them through the air. Alabama finished the game with only 143 yards on the ground with Richardson leading the pack carrying for 17 times and only 77 yards.

The Alabama offensive line also played extremely well in pass protection but struggled at times with opening a solid running lane for the Alabama running backs.

Defense: A

Alabama’s defense held its title as the nation’s No. 1 defense on Saturday. The Crimson Tide played extremely well in the game forcing Tennessee into numerous long third-down situations. The Volunteers started the game well, appearing to have an opportunity to run early on the Tide defense.

After halftime, the Tide really turned up the heat and even pushed the Volunteers to replace their second-string quarterback with a true freshman. The Alabama defense held Tennessee to 155 total yards.

It was a bad day for the Volunteers but another great day for the Crimson Tide defense. Alabama showed why they are edging toward another possible championship season.

Special Teams: A

Alabama made three field goals with two different kickers and averaged 40.5 yards a punt. You can’t ask for much more from your special teams. There weren’t any big returns on kickoff or punt, but the Tide only returned four total kicks in the game.

The Alabama special teams did play extremely well on coverage units as well against Tennessee. Special teams are a crucial part in any teams success, and to this point, they are a positive for the Crimson Tide.

Coaching: A

Obviously, Alabama has been able to own virtually every opponent that they have come in contact with so far this season. Alabama has a great ability to have their athletes prepared to win ball games.

This season, Alabama has had an added fire with their hits and with their steps. They are playing at a special level of intensity and don’t think for a minute that coaching doesn’t have something to do with the passion that these players show.

Nick Saban has his teams ready and has done a phenomenal job this season managing his team. The Crimson Tide staff also did quite well with their game plan for the Vols.

In Closing…

Alabama started this game slow and looked as if Tennessee was ready to have a shot at the upset. When the Tide came out after the half, they began driving and didn’t look back. The Tide didn’t play to their potential in the beginning, but they finished well.

Alabama enters their bye week as they prepare to return to the field against No. 1 LSU on November 5th. This will be a huge layoff for the Tide, but it is also a much-needed off week after eight straight games.

Alabama made their case to be among the nation’s elite in this game. How they prepare and play against LSU will be the final test before the Tide can make it to the title game.