No. 2 Alabama topped Tennessee 42-17 on Saturday afternoon at the Nelandland Stadium in a contest known as the “Third Saturday in October.” Of course, the game was played on the fourth Saturday of October this year, as the SEC’s only conference schedule was shaken.
Quarterback Mac Jones finished 25 of 31 for 387 yards, once outscored by the Crimson Tide Volunteers to leave the game in the fourth quarter. Nazi Harris ran back for 96 y yards and three touchdowns and stood a total of 7,587 yards (7..7 yards per game) on the day of the offense.
Harris got things off with a 1-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, and Jones ran a 1-yard run on his next drive. Of Alabama’s first eight scoring drives, there were 0 or more plays, the only Malachi Moore scoop-and-score to open the third quarter, and the 23-yard drive Alabama started after recovering an onside kick at the end of the third quarter.
Tennessee quarterback Jarrett Guaranta was unable to hold the offense of high octane tide, but he lost 13 of 24 runs and two touchdowns for 162 yards in the losing effort. He hit Josh Palmer on a beautiful touchdown pass in the back corner of the end zone in the third quarter, to at least keep him respectable as Alabama’s Cornbachs were knocked out twice on the Nanda pass at game distance.
It wasn’t entirely easy for Alabama on Saturday, although star wide receiver Jalen Waddell was injured at the opening kickoff. Coach Nick Suban later revealed that Waddell suffered a broken ankle that would set him aside for the season.
Let’s take a look at some of the big takeaways from the game.
Mac Jones is the only one this year
Yes, this is the time to say it. Jones investigates BKCs. Like Burroughs, he landed a very solid year after somewhat later consideration before getting a starting job. Like Burroughs, he’s more of an old-school signal-killer who has a big hand and throws it all away. Like Burroughs, he has also proven to be a dynamic playmaker who has not only caught the offense, but the moment is on the page like receivers from the moment of thumb skin.
Does that mean he will be the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft? Let’s not go that far. In fact, I don’t really care about comparing it. In terms of what it can do for Crimson Recruitment for the rest of the season, Jones could completely blend in with the same trail that Burroughs did for LSU in 2019. Like the burrow, there are weapons around it. He has PV, running after workaholics; A bevy of stud receivers; And a coordinator in Steve Sarkisian who is always one step ahead of the defense.
Now it’s not too hot. That is the reality. Jones is a flat out stud.
Alabama has Waddle back insurance
First of all, it’s awful that Waddle is out for the season. The youngster is incredibly talented and hopes his injury will not derail his football aspirations. Still, there is no need to discuss the football aspect of it.
Crimson Tide has been able to stack Star Wide receivers on Star Wide receivers by recruiting over the past decade, and this year is no different. John Mechchi is the next man after the third. On Saturday afternoon Melchini had seven catches for 151 yards, knowing full well that he has more weight on his shoulders going forward as a clear cut No. 2 option for Jones.
All Slade Bolden caught six passes for 94 yards and solidified himself as the new No. 3 option. The awkwardness of wealth in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is incredible. Waddell is a completely unique playmaker in the game of crime and retribution, but Tide will be OK and will have a lot of talent to join to change his production.
Do not place these losses on guarantees
Tennessee fans have been fed up with their senior quarterbacks in the last two games. Let’s avoid doing that for at least a week. He never gave up, threw many full deep deep passes to his recipients and showed the kind of leadership coach Jeremy Pruit wants to see in his team. That was not the problem. In fact, it can be solved by considering the circumstances.
Garantano’s play on Saturday and the leadership he displayed during the trying week is something that could help get the program back on track, and perhaps more importantly, set the tone for the younger players on the roster and how to overcome difficulties. Teaches how to control. After all, that’s exactly what happened last year when the Wolves started 0-2.
Yes, it is a machine
Another game, the next day where Harris showed that he runs best in the game. This is different though. Its six catches and receiving1 racing yards are more important than its rush rush racing yards and three racing touchdowns. Why Of course crime is evolving.
It is fair to say that opposing the defensive coordinator will put a little more clue on him when Waddle is out of the lineup, but Sarkisian is an innovative mind. As mentioned above, it always seems to be one step ahead. Can Harris be wide? Can it be targeted by air seven or eight times per game? I think. If nothing else, his prowess was re-displayed on Saturday by air.
