Coming into the Third Saturday in October, it was going to be imperative for Alabama to be able to generate a pass rush without blitzing against Tennessee's spread-out offense. Redshirt sophomore Yhonzae Pierre - thrust into a starting role with Qua Russaw out with an injury - took it upon himself.
Pierre sacked Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar three times himself. Alabama finished the game with four sacks - junior James Smith added the fourth - which matched the total number of sacks the Vols' offensive line had given up all season.
Alabama's pass rush had struggled in its own right, coming in ranked 112th in the country with 1.