A Big SEC Clash: No. 11 Tennessee Hosts No. 7 Alabama

Oct 17, 20242 min read

Nico Iamaleava | Tennessee QB — ©Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Quarterback Nico Iamaleava and the No. 11 Tennessee Volunteers (5-1, 2-1 Southeastern Conference) have a tough test ahead of them in Week 8. The Volunteers will host quarterback Jalen Milroe and the No. 7 Alabama Crimson Tide (5-1, 2-1 SEC) at 3:30 p.m. EST at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. The Volunteers defeated the Florida Gators (3-3, 1-2 SEC) 23-17 in overtime in Week 7 and the Crimson Tide defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks (3-3, 1-3 SEC) 27-25 in Week 7.

What's at Stake?

The Volunteers are looking to improve their home record since 2022 to 17-1 with a victory over the Crimson Tide.

The Crimson Tide look to improve to 28-21-1 in Knoxville, Tenn., with a win over the Volunteers.

Key Players: Tennessee

RB Dylan Sampson, K Max Gilbert

Dylan Sampson had himself a game against the Gators. He had 112 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns. Of the 3 touchdowns, his last was the overtime winner and gave the Volunteers a victory.

Max Gilbert has been excellent this season for the Volunteers. On the year, he is 11-of-12 on field goals and is a perfect 28-of-28 on extra points. Gilbert also has a season-long 45-yard field goal this year.

DE James Pearce Jr., S Will Brooks

James Pearce Jr. had quite the game against the Gators. He finished with 7 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 1 tackle for loss, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. The forced fumble and recovery were huge as the Gators were at the 1-yard line. Quarterback Graham Mertz was stripped by Pearce Jr. and the Gators were kept out of the end zone.

Will Brooks is a mainstay on the Volunteers' defense and is always making plays. He is tied for the team lead in tackles with 29.

Key Players: Alabama

QB Jalen Milroe, WR Germie Bernard

Coming into this matchup against Tennessee, Jalen Milroe is averaging 11.23 yards per pass attempt which ranks him No. 1 in the country. He is a special player.

Gernie Bernard had a decent game against the Gamecocks. He had 4 catches for 89 yards and a touchdown. He led the team in receiving yards against South Carolina.

LB Jihaad Campbell, DB Keon Sabb

Jihaad Campbell had a great game himself against the Gamecocks. He totaled 6 tackles, assisted on a tackle and came up with a big sack.

Keon Sabb also had quite the game against the Gamecocks. He had 7 tackles and assisted on 5 more tackles. He is quite an anchor for the Crimson Tide's defense.