| Tennessee vs. Alabama, Saturday, Oct. 23, at Tuscaloosa, Ala. By
upsetting Florida in "the Swamp," Alabama put itself in a good position in the
Southeastern Conference West Division and gave Tennessee new life in the East. The
defending national champion Volunteers are stronger on paper than they were last season,
but they have already lost to Florida and were almost upset by Memphis. It is obvious they
miss former offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe, who is now the head coach at
Mississippi. Without Cutcliffe, QB Tee Martin has struggled, and the Volunteers did not
make the adjustments they needed to make on the fly to beat Florida. The key to
Alabama’s season will be QB Andrew Zow. When Zow plays well, the Crimson Tide can
roll and play with almost anyone — if not anyone — in the country. But Zow is
just a sophomore, and he tends to be highly erratic and prone to turning the ball over.
Quarterbacks — Martin seemed to be getting better and better late
last season, but he has struggled and reverted at times this year. He has not been as
accurate or decisive as he needs to be, and ever since the Florida game, he has been
playing with an injured right (throwing) shoulder. Martin also was beaten up in
Tennessee’s last game vs. Georgia, but with a two-week rest period thanks to a bye
week, he should be able to play, barring any late setback. Martin tends to force the ball
in traffic, but he has a very strong arm, and when his mechanics are good, he can be a
very accurate passer. One reason the Volunteers have played Martin instead of giving his
shoulder and hand time to heal is that they don’t have a proven backup. Tennessee
thought it was getting Chris Simms but lost him to Texas at the 11th hour. Zow has the arm
to develop into a top-flight quarterback and was very impressive at Florida. But he seems
to have meltdown games when he regresses. Edge: Tennessee.
Running backs — Tennessee’s Jamal Lewis could be the most
gifted back in the country. He is a big, fast, explosive runner who has some nifty moves
to go with his power and speed. However, he has not been as consistent as the Volunteers
would like him to be, and there are some questions about how effective he can be when he
is hurting. The Volunteers are very deep at tailback and have at least two other
starting-caliber players, including last season’s leading rusher, Travis Henry.
Alabama also has a top back in Shaun Alexander. Alexander may not run the 40-yard-dash in
4.3 seconds, and some people question his toughness, but he has excellent moves and
vision, an explosive burst of speed, good hands and a real nose for the endzone. He also
has become a lot tougher and more focused and is having an All-America-type year. If you
don’t take my word on those points, just watch the end of the Florida game. At times,
Alexander will fumble. He needs to be careful with the ball. Edge: Tennessee.
Receivers — Tennessee may have numbers and speed, but the
only receiver who has really stepped up so far is flanker Cedrick Wilson. Alabama’s
best receiver — and a future All-America candidate — is sophomore Freddie
Milons, a converted quarterback. It is not unusual to see Alabama line up with a sophomore
QB, Zow, and three sophomore receivers. Edge: Even.
Offensive linemen — Alabama has a solid offensive line led by
athletic OLT Chris Samuels. The fact that the Tide could afford to bench underachieving
senior pro prospect Jason McDonald should tell you something. Tennessee’s line has
been down a notch from where it should be this season. The best players are OLT Chad
Clifton and OG Cosey Coleman. Clifton is a big, strong, physical, upper-body player who
may not have the feet to be a left tackle on the next level. He can be beaten by a good
speed rusher. Edge: Even.
Defensive linemen — Tennessee has one of the three best defensive
lines in college football (along with Florida State and Virginia Tech) now that big
youngsters such as Albert Haynesworth and John Henderson are starting to get serious
minutes. Senior DE Shaun Ellis has a first-round pick’s tools but will disappear for
long stretches. Senior DT Darwin Walker uses strength, speed, effort, smarts and hustle to
overcome his lack of bulk size. Hard-luck Billy Ratliff broke his foot and had
season-ending surgery. Alabama doesn’t really have any standouts, but Cornelius
Griffin and Reggie Grimes have big-league size-speed ratios. Edge: Tennessee.
Linebackers — The Volunteers are not very big here, but they are
very active, mobile and effective with speedy Raynoch Thompson and Eric Westmoreland
outside. Alabama needs to keep improving in this area. Edge: Tennessee.
Defensive backs — Tennessee’s Deon Grant is a big, fast
safety with WR hands, ball skills and jumping ability, but he is no Jack Tatum as a hitter
and seems to have lapses in coverage. Scouts like SS Fred White’s toughness and
intangibles but question his playing speed and size. CB Dwayne Goodrich has top ability
but is no Boy Scout and will bite on moves at times. Alabama has no senior leadership and
a lot to learn. Edge: Tennessee.
Special teams — How well the kickers handle pressure will be the
key. Both teams may go after the kickers and try for blocks all day. Tennessee P David
Leaverton has kicked very well for much of this year. He can place the ball down near the
goal line. Volunteers RS Leonard Scott has world-class speed and in spots will remind you
of Willie Gault. Edge: Tennessee.
Prediction: Tennessee 31, Alabama 20 |
