How do you call this one?

Looking ahead to this weekend's renewal of the Bama-Tennessee rivalry, I have been trying to get a read on how this one might go. As I stated in a previous post, I believe that the close-call win at Ole Miss will be a significant motivational point in practice this week for Bama. Hopefully we will be as focused on our gameplan and execution as we were against Florida. Bama's offense definitely felt the sting from losing Tyrone Prothro in this past week's game, but my hope is that Ole Miss served as a wake-up call to our receiving corps. I don't know the status of DJ Hall, but if he is healthy, I think he and Keith Brown will really step up their games this week. Also, look for Zeke Knight to step out of the shadows with a big game this week. Tennessee's pass defense has been very good, but they have not faced a passing quarterback the caliber of Brodie Croyle yet either.
The offensive line might be the biggest question mark this week as they will be going against the best defensive front Bama has seen all year. If the O-line can pass protect and open up the occasional running lane, look for a good offensive day. Kenneth Darby had a huge game against UT last season, and I believe he will carry that over to this year. I look for him to post another 100 yard game against the stingy Vol defense.
Defensively Bama must be prepared for a two quarterback system. Clausen seems to be better at short, quick passes, which would favor our defense playing a man-to-man scheme. Ainge seems to like to throw the ball down the field more, which would favor more pressure from the defensive front, as well as blitzing often. We need to try to create turnovers in the passing game. Tennessee's running game has not been impressive this year so far, but we still must key on Riggs as he is capable of hurting us.
Special teams may be a wash, as both teams are fairly strong there. Bama has to avoid the costly penalties on kickoff and punt returns. Illegal blocks in the back and holding penalties have been the norm on punt returns this year.
All that being said, I look for this to be an extremely hard-fought battle between two top SEC teams. I think Alabama's crowd and defense will keep Tennessee from scoring more than 13 points. I believe Brodie and KD will both have good days to help the Tide offense to a couple of touchdowns. My prediction: Alabama 24- Tennessee 13.

Whew! That was close, but exactly what we needed!

Man was that a close call in Oxford? Not to take anything away from an inspired Ole Miss team, but Alabama didn't look to me like the same team that dominated every aspect of the game against Florida. Maybe it was the bye week, or maybe just overlooking Ole Miss. Whatever the case, it might have been exactly the focus-inspiring scare that we needed heading into this weekend's battle with the Vols.
One negative from the game is that might give Fat Phil some ammunition (like he needs any more than he already has) to use against us. My firm belief is that IF we have a good gameplan, and we execute in all three phases like we are capable, we will pull out a close victory over Tennessee. Roll Tide!