How the Tennessee Vols beat Alabama before the game even started
The Tennessee Vols went full Mike Tyson against Alabama on Saturday and had the Crimson Tide beat before the game even started. Just like Tyson used to do to opponents, Alabama was beaten mentally before kickoff. And by the time they had their mindsets back to where they needed to be, it was 28-10 and […]
The Tennessee Vols went full Mike Tyson against Alabama on Saturday and had the Crimson Tide beat before the game even started.
Just like Tyson used to do to opponents, Alabama was beaten mentally before kickoff. And by the time they had their mindsets back to where they needed to be, it was 28-10 and Bama had dug itself into a deep hole.
For whatever reason — maybe the hype of the game or the fact that Tennessee was a dangerous opponent — Alabama was "tight" before the game. They weren't their normal selves according to Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban.
"We were tight, especially starting the game," said Saban. "Coming out of the locker room our players always chant, they weren't chanting, I said 'why aren't you guys chanting, what's up with that'."
That's a pretty straightforward comment from Saban. It's also shocking.
Alabama is a program that's played in the biggest games in college football. Most of the players on the Crimson Tide's roster — outside of the true freshmen on the team — played in the SEC Championship game and the national championship game a year ago.
Despite those experiences, Neyland Stadium was an intimidating environment for Alabama. They were taken out of their element.
And Tennessee took advantage by jumping out to an 18-point lead.
Now, to Bama's credit, they rallied and eventually took the lead. But Tennessee remained poised, made the plays, and was able to secure the victory.
Without the big first quarter for the Vols — which was them taking advantage of Alabama's players being "tight" — I'm not sure Tennessee wins that game.
Featured image via Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
