The Tennessee Volunteers are heavy underdogs against Alabama in Tuscaloosa this weekend, but that doesn't mean they won't pull the upset. In fact, we're willing to bet the Vols do just that. Here are three reasons why Tennessee will beat Alabama this weekend:
3) Tennessee's dominant rushing attack
RBs Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara have played well this season, combining for 171 carries for 827 yards and 10 TDs. In fact, they could probably get even more work and still be effective. QB Joshua Dobbs has contributed on the ground as well, racking up 368 yards and five scores. The Vols are a run-first team, and that will serve them well this weekend by being able to control the tempo of the game and keeping Alabama's offense out of rhythm.
2) Jake Coker's inconsistency
Coker wrested away control of the starting job by picking apart Georgia in Athens, but he hasn't proven that he can consistently play at that level. He's talented enough, sure, but he's thrown for just 400 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions in the two games since. Tennessee's secondary is fast and talented enough to make a game-changing play or two, while the pass rush should be able to get in his face. If he turns the ball over multiple times, look out.
1) Alabama's inability to defend running quarterbacks
Alabama's six losses over the past four seasons have come against teams that run spread offenses and have quarterbacks with the ability to run effectively under center (Johnny Manziel, Nick Marshall, Trevor Knight, Bo Wallace, Cardale Jones, Chad Kelly).
While Dobbs has struggled at times as a passer, but he's been great on the ground - and was phenomenal in both aspects against Georgia, passing for 312 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 118 yards and two more scores. That showed his potential as of the country's best dual-threat quarterbacks. If Tennessee can find a way to utilitze his running ability, they'll have a very good chance to win.
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