Vols: Keys To Beating Alabama
Jan 2, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (second from left) is congratulated by wide receiver Johnathon Johnson (81) and guard Jashon Robertson (73) and center Mack Crowder (57) and offensive lineman Marcus Jackson (75) after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter of the 2015 TaxSlayer Bowl against the Iowa Hawkeyes at EverBank Field. The Tennessee Volunteers beat the Iowa Hawkeyes 45-28. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports
The Offensive Line Has To Play Well
This offensive line is going to have their hands full tomorrow. This is the number one key for the Vols. The Bama defensive line is as good as it has ever been. They are big, and they are fast. This is a better defensive line than even Florida.
Tennessee will more than likely start an undersized and inexperienced Jack Jones at right guard. Starter Jashon Robertson is still not 100%, and I’m not sure he can go. Robertson is the Vols best offensive lineman in my mind.
Jones did an admirable job against a talented Georgia front seven two weeks ago, but this Alabama team is in another league. The Vols had freshman right tackle Chance Hall play beside Jones. I believe this is the combination that should start as Bret Kendrick is still having elbow problems.
Tennessee fans will not understand just how tough this is for these young lineman to handle the depth and talent of the Alabama front seven. But this is the absolute key to this game. Tennessee will have to be able to run the ball somewhat in order to help out their line, and also to protect Joshua Dobbs.
The zone read run game will be in force tomorrow. It can mask an average offensive line if the correct decisions are made. Dobbs will make those decisions. But if the Alabama defensive line meets Jalen Hurd, Dobbs, or Alvin Kamara in the backfield it will be a long day for Tennessee in Tuscaloosa.
I hope the Vols play Jones and Hall on the right side if Robertson can not go, even though they will be overmatched. It is the future of this offensive line. They may has well get used to playing Alabama now.