When Alabama and Tennessee play this Saturday, both teams might be unrecognizable.
Alabama’s defense, the backbone of the program’s dynastic run under former head coach Nick Saban (2007-23), has faltered in Year 1 of the Kalen DeBoer era.
After a strong start against nonconference opponents in Weeks 1-3, the Tide have been exposed on defense against SEC competition.
Against Western Kentucky, South Florida and Wisconsin, Alabama allowed an average of 8.7 points and 248 yards per game. In its three SEC games, Bama has allowed 33 points and 410.3 yards per game.
The defense has struggled particularly on third downs the past two weeks, allowing Vanderbilt and South Carolina to convert 19 of 33 attempts combined.
Meanwhile, Tennessee’s struggles have come on the offensive end after that unit led the program’s resurgence in 2022.
The Vols are averaging 20.7 points and 329.7 yards per game in SEC action after putting up video-game numbers in their 3-0 start — 63.7 points and 639.3 yards per game.
In Week 7 against Florida (3-3, 1-2 in SEC), Tennessee gained 312 yards, its fewest under head coach Josh Heupel against non-Georgia opponents.
Both Alabama and Tennessee are championship-caliber on one side of the football — just not the ones you’d expect from either program.
Alabama’s offense, led by dual-threat quarterback Jalen Milroe and outstanding freshman wideout Ryan Williams, is among the country’s most explosive. The Tide are 10th in scoring (41.7 points per game).
Outstanding defensive end James Pearce Jr. leads Tennessee’s stifling defense. It ranks fourth in points allowed (10.7 per game).
While the Bama offense versus the Tennessee defense is the marquee matchup in Saturday’s game, the Tide defense versus the Vols offense undercard could be more significant.
Whichever team solves its issues the fastest might be the one to leave Neyland Stadium with a win.
