The Tennessee Volunteers are still one of the favorites to win the SEC East despite a loss to Oklahoma, but a win over Alabama would do a lot to put them back in contention for the College Football Playoff. Here are four reasons why they're guaranteed to knock off the Crimson Tide on October 24:
4) Alabama's QB questions
Alabama still hasn't quite figured out their quarterback situation, which doesn't bode well for the offense. Jake Coker and Cooper Bateman have combined for just three touchdown passes and two interceptions through the first two games, showing how much the Tide rely on their running game. Running back Derrick Henry is a bonafide Heisman candidate, but if Alabama's passing game struggles continue, they will have a hard time moving the ball.
3) Abundance of young defensive talent
The Vols ranked near the bottom of the SEC in total defense in 2014, giving up a gut-punching 360 yards per game. However, with almost every single starter and contributor returning, Tennessee's defense has taken a major step up this year, allowing less than 24 points per game. Plus there's the X-factor against Alabama's power rushing attack -- true freshman defensive tackle Kahlil McKenzie. McKenzie has been an off-the-pavement semi-truck in practice and in his first three games, using scary speed and dynamite-level explosiveness to bury offensive linemen - and running backs - in the turf.
2) Two-headed rushing attack
Jalen Hurd (300 rush yards, five touchdowns) and Alvin Kamara (195 rush yards, three touchdowns) might just be the best one-two running back combo in the country, leading a Tennessee offense that ranks 17th in the country in rushing (246 yards per game). Alabama's defense has taken a step back this year, and the Vols have the duo - along with the running ability of quarterback Joshua Dobbs - to give the Tide a major headache.
1) Confidence
Alabama opponents often came into their matchups against the Tide expecting to lose, but that isn't the case with Tennessee. The Vols haven't backed down from anyone since Butch Jones took over as head coach, and there's nothing he'd like more than to get a marquee victory over Alabama and former Vols coach Lane Kiffin. Tennesse will play their best game of the year in this one - something the Tide won't be ready for.
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