How the Tennessee Vols should approach their matchup with Alabama
The Tennessee Vols will take on the Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday night in Tuscaloosa as a 35 point underdog. Unless there's a miracle, it's extremely unlikely that Tennessee will return to Knoxville with a win — the programs are just too far apart in talent. But that doesn't mean the game can't be productive….as […]
The Tennessee Vols will take on the Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday night in Tuscaloosa as a 35 point underdog.
Unless there's a miracle, it's extremely unlikely that Tennessee will return to Knoxville with a win — the programs are just too far apart in talent.
But that doesn't mean the game can't be productive….as long as the Vols have the right approach.
Obviously I think Tennessee should prepare to win the game, just as they should prepare to win every single game they play. And the coaches should coach to win the game. But I also think Jeremy Pruitt and his staff need a plan in place in case the game gets out of hand.
If the Vols get down early, or in the second half, I think Pruitt needs to make sure quarterbacks Jarrett Guarantano (assuming Brian Maurer is healthy enough to start) and JT Shrout plenty of action in the second half. We've seen plenty of scenarios this season where third string quarterbacks are forced into action. Guarantano needs to stay sharp and Shrout needs to be ready. I also think Pruitt needs to get his young players as much time on the field as possible if the game is out of reach.
What better development is there for a player than playing against the No. 1 team in the country? Even if the Vols are getting destroyed on the scoreboard, it's still beneficial developmental time for the roster.
Speaking of the scoreboard, I think it would be wise for Pruitt and offensive coordinator Jim Chaney to slow the game down as much as possible. That means running the ball a lot. Tennessee needs to find a way to effectively run the ball, and pick up some first downs, to limit Alabama's time of possession. That seems like the only way the Vols can keep the score somewhat close. Tennessee doesn't want to get into an offensive shootout with Alabama — there's just no way they'd be able to keep up.
If the Vols can keep the final score respectable (not lose by 35) and get some of their inexperienced players some more playing time, while keeping everyone healthy, then I think the game will be considered a success for Tennessee.
UT still has an outside shot to reach a bowl game. Beating Alabama isn't part of that scenario, though. Tennessee needs to do everything they can to get through this game healthy, in order to have a shot against South Carolina the following weekend.
Featured image via Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
