No. 1-ranked Alabama entered Saturday’s showdown with rival Tennessee needing to answer some questions. Here is how it answered four.
1. Will DeVonta Smith’s absence affect UA?
Alabama’s receivers were not that affected by the loss of Smith, who was suspended for the first half after being ejected last week. In the first half, Alabama receivers caught 11 passes for 155 yards, led by Henry Ruggs III with three receptions for 64 yards.
2. More picks for Tua?
Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa ended a streak of 185 attempts without an interception last week against Texas A&M. It took just six attempts before he threw one Saturday. Nigel Warrior picked off a pass in the end zone and ran it 59 yards to kill a Tide scoring drive.
3. Will UT kick to Waddle?
Jaylen Waddle dazzled last week against Texas A&M with a career-best 128 punt return yards. Tennessee kicked to him, but didn’t give Waddle a chance to return any big kicks. He had a 13-yard return on his first chance but did manage a 20-yarder on his last one.
4. Big day for Alabama’s defense?
The Crimson Tide defense showed up to play, limiting the Vols to just 64 yards rushing and 71 yards passing in the first half. For the game Alabama held the Vols to 117 passing yards and 116 rushing yards.
— Compiled by Edwin Stanton
