Vols: Keys To Beating Alabama

Oct 10, 2015; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Todd Kelly Jr. (6) breaks up a pass intended for Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (26) during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won 38-31. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Todd Kelly, Jr Will Have To Make A Play

The secondary has been maligned. With the exception of Cameron Sutton, it has been a tough season. Emmanuel Moseley has not lived up to what I saw in the open practice. He needs to play a little more physical. Malik Foreman has been caught out of position time and time again.

The entire secondary has not tackled well. It would be easy to select Senior Brian Randolph as a key. He will have his bucket full tomorrow as he tries to give run support while defending Lane Kiffin’s love of the kill-shot, play action long ball. It is a Kiffin staple, and most effective when the Bama running game is churning yardage.

But I am going to single out Kelly, Jr. He seems to be the guy that is around the football. He has the “it” factor. He is always around the ball. Tomorrow he will have to have a turnover, be it a forced fumble or an interception. The Vols will have to force the Alabama quarterbacks into some poor decisions. More importantly, when they do make the errant throw (and he will), the Vols will have to come down with the ball. The Vols will have to have at least 3 turnovers to win this game.

Todd Kelly, Jr is this guy. The Vols have only 4 interceptions on the season. The corners have none. Kelly, Jr has 2 of those 4. He will have to have at least one tomorrow. I think he will get his opportunities. He will just have to make the play.