semissourian
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The way No. 6 Alabama rebounds from its defeat to Georgia last week will significantly shape the remainder of the Southeastern Conference championship race. The Crimson Tide (5-1, 3-1 SEC) will attempt to get back on track Saturday in a challenging road environment against No. 14 Tennessee (5-1, 2-1).
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer delivered a straightforward message to his team: "You can't let Georgia beat us twice. Don't let the highs be too high and the lows be too low." The Crimson Tide will rely on several young players who are experiencing their first emotional setback and must now bounce back. Sophomore quarterback Keelon Russell and freshman running back Traeshawn Brown are key components of the offense still adjusting to the college game.
Tennessee has its own concerns. After being sacked 10 times in a three-point loss to Texas three weeks ago, freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon has been limited by a shoulder injury. Sophomore George MacIntyre, making his first career start, has done enough to secure wins over Auburn—relieving Brandon in the second half—and Arkansas, but his performances have not been overly impressive. Against the Razorbacks, MacIntyre committed a fumble and threw two interceptions. Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel had not announced a starter by midweek.
"I thought he was decisive with the football," Heupel said of MacIntyre. "Collectively as a group, we have to do a better job of taking care of the football."
Tennessee has leaned on junior running back DeSean Bishop (678 yards, 8 TDs) and a vastly improved defense that ranks 25th nationally, allowing 293.7 yards per game.
Alabama will likely be without junior receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams, who leads the team with 23 receptions for 415 yards and four touchdowns. He left the Georgia game after sustaining head and knee injuries. "Pretty good chance we won't have him here this weekend," DeBoer said. "It'll probably go week-to-week after that." If Coleman-Williams is unavailable, sophomore Lotzeir Brooks becomes the primary target for Russell.
Key Analysis
Tennessee's new defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles, has brought an aggressive approach. The Volunteers lead the nation with 25 sacks, including five from tackle Xavier Gilliam, who followed Knowles from Penn State. Edge rusher Tyree Weathersby has 4.5 sacks, and edge Mariyon Dye has 4. Tennessee's 48 tackles for loss rank fourth in the country.
Through six games, Alabama has recorded nine interceptions, four of which have been returned for touchdowns. Red Morgan, Yhonzae Pierre, Dijon Lee Jr., and Luke Metz have each scored on a pick-six.
Despite rushing for just 42 yards against Kennesaw State and 34 against Texas, Tennessee junior DeSean Bishop ranks seventh nationally with 678 yards. He rebounded from the loss to the Longhorns by rushing for 220 yards and three touchdowns against Auburn, and he is coming off a 138-yard performance with the game-winning touchdown against Arkansas.
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Originally reported by semissourian.