_

VS.

1. Get out of the gates - It's been ugly in the first half of this match up. In 2011, the game was tied at 6 at the half. Since then, Alabama has outscored the Vols 85-20 the last three years. And the last two years, the Vols have been outscored 41-0 in the first half of play.

2. Win the turnover margin - John Brice has said it all week, Tennessee must be plue two in the turnover margin. Obviously, the Vols must possess the football, but they also must force Bama into mistakes. In the Tide's loss to Ole Miss it was 5 Alabama turnovers that was the difference in the game. Tennessee is minus-2 in the turnover margin in SEC play and in three SEC games, the defense has only forced 2 turnovers. John Jancek's defense must get offensive by forcing Alabama turnovers.

3. Win third down - After the ugly start last season against the Tide, Tennessee actually outscored Alabama 20-7. The reason? Third down production. Tennessee was 11 of 19 on third downs and Josh Dobbs was an impressive 7 of 10 throwing the ball on third down. Through the years, it's 3rd down where Nick Saban gets really exotic on defense. A year ago, Tennessee handled it well for the last three quarters. This year, opponents are converting 29% of third downs against them. Tennessee must hurt that season average on Saturday.

4. Don't give up homeruns - I understand the notion of stopping Derrick Henry and certainly they must slow down the Alabama run game. But the Tide is going to get their yards. Tennessee must make them earn it. A season ago, Alabama scored on plays of 80, 41, 28, and 28. Two weeks ago, the Vol defense gave up 5 plays of 28 yards or more. In SEC play, Tennessee has given up 13 plays of 25 yards or more. Jancek's defense can't give up cheap ones.

Tennessee (3-3, 1-2) makes its toughest road trip of the season this weekend to face No. 8 Alabama (6-1, 3-1), a team that's been on fire since an early season upset at home. Let's jump into the match-ups. ...more

Saturday afternoon, it's one of the SEC's oldest rivalries as the Vols and the Tide get together. For the Vols it's about making it once again a rivalry as they look to end an 8 game skid. We bring down the game, plus talk some football recruiting in this week's podcast.

.… The Volquest podcast

Saturday afternoon, Tennessee looks to end another losing streak as the Vols travel to Tuscaloosa looking for their first win over the Tide since 2006 and their first road win since 2003. The Vols are a big underdog according to all the odds-makers. How does the Volquest.com staff see the game? Check out our weekly pick.

… more

It's Year Eight of "Brice's Off The Beaten Path," and eight is how many field goals Alabama kicker Adam Griffith has made in 14 attempts; Griffith likewise is just four of eight on field goals of 30 or more yards. Something to watch for Saturday as the Vols visit Alabama (3:30 p.m., CBS) seeking to halt an eight-game skid to the Crimson Tide.Josh Dobbs has eight touchdown passes against just two picks; his 4:1 touchdown to interception ratio looks even more impressive alongside that of Jake Coker, who isn't quite at 2:1 (11 TDS, six picks). And now … It's on with 'The Path.'

...more

[rl]