National analyst thinks the Tennessee Vols could be a problem for Alabama in 2022
National college football analyst Josh Pate, one of the top voices in the sport, believes the Tennessee Vols could be a problem for the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2022. Pate said this week that Alabama's matchup against Tennessee in October could be a "land mine game" for the Tide. "Where is that landmine on this […]
National college football analyst Josh Pate, one of the top voices in the sport, believes the Tennessee Vols could be a problem for the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2022.
Pate said this week that Alabama's matchup against Tennessee in October could be a "land mine game" for the Tide.
"Where is that landmine on this year’s Alabama schedule?… The most losable or upset-worthy spots. These are not predictions, let me preface that," said Pate
"Bama at Tennessee, I think out of all these games, on October 15th, is the most potential landmine spot," explained Pate. "Let me put it that way. If we were to have a Texas A&M upset alert of this year, it would be that game at Tennessee. You want to know why? Look at the two games in front of it. And for those of you driving around listening to the podcast, Bama goes to Arkansas on October 1st. Bama comes home the next week to play Texas A&M. And then they go to Tennessee. There’s no bye week here. They go to Tennessee the following week. That’s a tough little three-game stretch. Two of them are on the road."
"Bama is still going to be solidly favored," added Pate. "But what have you had to do historically to beat Alabama? You’ve had to have some precision passing happen that afternoon. Really helps to have it in your home stadium. Tennessee has got that this year. They won’t be favored and nor should they. But they’ll have a puncher's chance because they possess that, and the schedule dynamics work in their favor.”
The Vols played Alabama tough in 2021. Tennessee was only down by 7 points in the fourth quarter before Bama broke the game open with a couple of late touchdowns. The Vols' lack of depth is essentially what cost them the case against the Tide last season.
Tennessee's offensive scheme worked against Alabama last year. There's no reason to think this year will be any different.
The Vols will have to play nearly perfect to upset the Tide in 2022, but the Vols certainly have the capability of beating Alabama in Knoxville this upcoming season.
Featured image via Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
