Vols: Keys To Beating Alabama
Oct 3, 2015; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Evan Berry (29) returns the opening kickoff to score a touchdown against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Special Teams Must Be Special
The Vols special teams have been special. Evan Berry has been incredible on Kick returns. He leads the nation in many return categories on Kick Offs. Berry will be counted on to provide the Vols good starting position.
In games like this field position will always be important. The Vols can open their offense outside of the 40. If the Vols are backed up at their 20, the offense will sputter. The Vols are not strong enough in the offensive line to just line up and run over Alabama. They need the field position to run this offense effectively. Berry will be key.
Cam Sutton has been just as impressive with punt returns. He will be counted on as well. The coverage teams have been really good with the exception of one bad lapse at Georgia that resulted in a punt return for a touchdown. The Vols can not afford any easy Alabama scores via special teams.
The punting of Trevor Daniel has been a weapon this season. Daniel is averaging 47 yards per punt. In the Georgia game, Daniel kicked a few uncharacteristically low. That is not what he wants. Daniel will be called on to make the Tide go the length of the field each and every time. Alabama has had a propensity to turn the ball over. The longer they have to go, the more chance they have to turn it over to Tennessee.
Placekicking has not been up to Tennessee standards this season. Aaron Medley is better than he has shown so far. He is showing signs that he is coming around though. He is 9/14 on the season. The Vols will need him to make every attempt he gets tomorrow. The momentum will be as big as the points scored if that makes sense. A young team can hang their head on a long drive and a miss by a kicker. Medley will need to make the kick to keep these guys heads up. The offense must be rewarded when they get into Alabama territory.