Three things to know about Tennessee before facing Alabama football Saturday

Alabama football had Tennessee’s number during the Nick Saban era.

The Crimson Tide lost once to the Volunteers in the Saban era, falling to Tennessee in Knoxville 52-49 during the 2022 season, amounting to 16 wins in 17 seasons.

Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer’s history with the “Third Saturday in October” rivalry begins at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in Neyland Stadium.

Here are three things you need to know about Tennessee before the Volunteers face off against Alabama Saturday.

Alabama football gets first look at Nico Iamaleava

Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) runs the ball during a game between Florida and Tennessee in Neyland Stadium, in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024.

Alabama defense, meet Nico Iamaleava.

The Tennessee offense is led by a former five-star quarterback, who was the No. 3 player and the No. 2 quarterback in the 2023 recruiting class per 247Sports’ composite rankings.

But Iamaleava is still getting used to SEC play. In his three starts against Oklahoma, Arkansas and Florida — his first starts against SEC opponents — Iamaleava has not eclipsed 200 passing yards while he’s thrown one touchdown pass and one interception. He has also been sacked 10 times in the past three games.

Alabama has the eighth-ranked pass defense in the SEC, allowing 213.3 passing yards per game and eight passing touchdowns in six games.

James Pearce headlines highly-touted Tennessee defense

Florida quarterback Graham Mertz (15) is tackled by Tennessee defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. (27) before fumbling the ball at the goal line during a SEC conference game between Tennessee and Florida in Neyland Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024.

Tennessee is in rare company defensively.

The Volunteers are third in the SEC in scoring defense, allowing an average of 10.7 points per game, joining Texas (6.3 points) and Ole Miss (10.6…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/three-things-know-tennessee-facing-090903743.html

Author : The Tuscaloosa News

Publish date : 2024-10-14 09:09:03

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.