Defensive Line
Nathanael: C
Alabama’s rushing attack isn’t quite as good this year as they’ve had in previous years, but the Tide’s running backs are still good enough to rip off huge runs and gain a ton of yards. That didn’t really happen on Saturday, and it was partially because of UT’s defensive line. Najee Harris got 105 yards, and Brian Robinson had a great touchdown play and averaged 5.7 yards a rush, but Alabama’s longest run was 15 yards. The Vols’ defensive line did a much better job than I thought they would, and they also generated a pass rush at times as well. Darel Middleton played well, Greg Emerson got a sack, and Matthew Butler had some good plays. Overall, it still wasn’t an incredible performance by this group, but it was better than I thought they would play against a really good Bama O-line.
Ben: D
Tennessee’s defensive line failed to generate much of any pressure up front, and they didn’t do a whole lot to slow down the Alabama rushing attack. Whether it was Tua Tagovailoa or Mac Jones, they had all day to throw the football. They combined to throw for 17-of-23 for 227 yards. On the ground, Alabama rushed for 140 yards and 4.1 yards per carry. Najee Harris rushed for 105 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries.
