It’s not Nick Saban’s team, but despite the struggles the past two weeks, Kalen DeBoer leads an extremely talented Alabama Crimson Tide program into Neyland Stadium. Both teams will be fighting to stay in the CFP race. If Tennessee Football is to remain in that conversation, they have lots of elite players to keep in check. Here are the five Bama players the Vols have to watch for.
5. Jihaad Campbell
The Tide’s leading tackler at mike linebacker, Jihaad Campbell has five and a half tackles for a loss, one and a half sacks, an interception, a pass breakup, a forced fumble and 51 total tackles, 30 of which were solo. Simply put, he does it all. Given how the linebackers have begun to confuse UT’s offensive tackles recently, containing Campbell is even a bigger deal.
4. Keon Sabb
Both Keon Sabb and Domani Jackson have two interceptions, but Jackson is playing cornerback and coming into the game banged up. As a result, Tennessee Football could actually test him. However, Sabb, at free safety, is a threat. In addition to two picks, he has three pass deflections and has assisted on a tackle for a loss, so given Nico Iamaleava’s struggles, he could be a problem.
3. Ryan Williams
Yes, he’s 17, and yes, he had that amazing game-winning touchdown grab against the Georgia Bulldogs. However, Ryan Williams is much more than that. So far this year, he has 23 catches for 576 yards and six touchdowns while running for another score. Jermod McCoy will likely line up on him, but the entire Vols’ secondary has to be prepared.
2. Que Robinson
Going to the edge rushers, Que Robinson is technically listed as a backup. However, he is to them what James Pearce Jr. was for Tennessee Football last year: a surprise emergence to opponents. Robinson has seven tackles for a loss, four sacks and has forced and recovered a fumble on the year. Back to the Vols’ horrendous play at tackle, containing him could be absolutely brutal
1. Jalen Milroe
Sure, it’s cliche, but Rocky Top just lost Keenan Pili for the year, and Andre Turrentine had his worst game at safety. As a result, containing a mobile quarterback who is still in the Heisman race could be dangerous. Jalen Milroe is completing 72.7 percent of his passes, averaging over 11 yards an attempt and has 12 touchdowns to four interceptions.
In addition to his passing, Milroe has 77 carries for 319 yards and another 11 touchdowns, so just halfway through the season, he has 23 touchdowns. Add in his 1,483 passing yards, and he truly is doing it all. DeBoer has done a great job tailoring his system to fit what Milroe does, and Tennessee Football, with now Jeremiah Telander in at linebacker, will have to be ready for it.
