Alabama offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan discussed their test against that defense coming up this weekend and the challenges set before them. “I would just say the size and athleticism,” Sheridan said. “I think there’s depth up front. I think they’re very well-coached. I have familiarity with coaches on that staff and have a tremendous amount of respect for them. But I think the depth, the size, the speed, the athleticism, they’re excellent and obviously have been very productive.”

Led by James Pearce, the Volunteer defensive front is one of the best in the nation. As we saw over the past weekend against South Carolina, Alabama struggled offensively to protect Jalen Milore against the Gamecocks’ elite edge rushers.

Even though Tennessee has struggled in the last few games, they have delivered in critical moments, such as the Crimson Tide. Sheridan adds more comments about this. “I think they’ve been outstanding in critical moments,” Sheridan said. “You know, short-yardage situations, red-zone situations. Not just the front but the entire unit, they’ve really risen up and made some really quality plays in some critical moments that have kept teams out of the end zone. It’s impressive, both for their coaches to get their players to perform at a high level in those moments and certainly for the players to execute at those times. It’s been impressive to see on film.” This game is going to be a very physical one, and the team who can commit the least amount of mistakes will most likely be favored to walk out with a win, with both teams’ conference championship and playoff aspirations on the line.