10 Things We Learned: Tennessee Defeats Alabama

Vols’ Offense is Well-Rounded

The Volunteers offense has continued to improve as the season has progressed. Still, with Sampson’s strong game on the ground and Iamaleava continuing to improve, the Vols offense has looked the part. If they can continue to build off their well-rounded performances, they could be a tough out for any team left in their way.

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Nico Iamaleava is Still Raw

Nico Iamaleava started the season off strong, but in the last few weeks, the former five-star recruit has struggled. Although the quarterback played well enough to lead the Vols to a win over Alabama, Josh Heupel will need his young game manager to play better down a tough stretch of the season if Tennessee hopes to make a postseason run. Nonetheless, at 20 years old, Iamaleava has the talent to be a top quarterback in the nation. If he can continue to develop, his raw skillset could form into star talent.

Alabama’s Stalling at the Wrong Time

Alabama has struggled tremendously in the last few weeks. After their loss to unranked Vanderbilt, the Crimson Tide followed up that performance with a near loss at home to South Carolina, another unranked program. Fast-forward to Week 8, and Bama fell on its face again in Tennessee and now finds itself knocked out of the Top Ten in the AP Poll Rankings. If the SEC squad can’t turn things around, it could be on the outside looking in when the playoffs come around.

Dylan Sampson is an Elite Running Back

Dylan Sampson has been arguably the best player on either side of the ball for Tennessee this season. The running back is already up to 838 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns on the season, mainly due to his monster game against Bama on Saturday. If Sampson can continue to run this strong, the Vols offense will be hard to stop for any defense moving forward.

Germie Bernard Is Becoming a Reliable WR

Germie Bernard joined the Crimson Tide in the transfer portal following Kalen DeBoer’s hiring. The third-year wideout has emerged as a reliable threat in the Alabama offense, especially in the last few weeks. With opposing defenses looking to take away Ryan Williams, Bernard stepping up could be huge for Bama moving forward.

Tennessee’s Defense Stepped Up

Tennessee’s defense was pivotal in the team’s win on Saturday. Not only did the Vols force two interceptions on the day, but they nearly came up with their third turnover after forcing Milroe to fumble. As a tough stretch of the back half of the season looms, the Volunteers defense putting it all together now would be a massive boost for the playoff hopefuls.

Bama Needs More from the Rushing Attack

Alabama has done a reasonably good job at being a dynamic offense this season. Between Milroe’s versatility and Jam Miller’s shiftiness, the Crimson Tide’s offense has sometimes looked dangerous. However, Bama didn’t rush over 100 yards on Saturday after an abysmal 2.2 yards per carry as a team. If the offense hopes to return to their dominant ways, they can’t be one-dimensional.

Tennessee is Back in the Top 10

After their win against Alabama, the Volunteers are back in the Top Ten, ranked No. 7 in the AP Top 25. With the College Football Playoffs nearing, the Vols are giving themselves a solid chance to compete for the SEC championship and clinch themselves in a postseason spot.

Alabama’s amid their Worst Season in Nearly Two Decades

Following their loss to Tennessee, Alabama fell to 5-2 on the season. Looking back over the past seasons in Crimson Tide history, the last time Bama had lost two games before November was 2007. That said, the start to the year for DeBoer’s squad is unfamiliar territory to fans of the Tide.

Vols’ Offense is Well-Rounded

The Volunteers offense has continued to improve as the season has progressed. Still, with Sampson’s strong game on the ground and Iamaleava continuing to improve, the Vols offense has looked the part. If they can continue to build off their well-rounded performances, they could be a tough out for any team left in their way.

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