Alabama Football: 3 takeaways from blowout win over Tennessee

Alabama football dominated Tennessee 48-17 in Knoxville. Mac Jones and the offense roll and the defense held Tennessee scoreless in the fourth.

The No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Tennessee Volunteers 48-17 at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville on Saturday afternoon. This marked the 14th consecutive win for the Tide over the Vols and head coach Nick Saban is now 23-0 against his former assistants.

The Crimson Tide dominated on both sides of the ball all game against the Volunteers. This was the 18th game Alabama has scored at least 35 points for the 18th straight game as the offense racked up over 500 total yards of offense. Quarterback Mac Jones had another outstanding game throwing for 387 passes with only six incompletions.

Running back Najee Harris had 157 total yards and three touchdowns while John Metchie III paced the wide receivers with seven receptions for 151 yards. Not only was the offense dominant, but this was also the defense’s best performance as well.

The Crimson Tide defense limited the Volunteers to just 302 yards of total offense. Although the Crimson Tide did not have a sack and forced just one turnover, the Volunteers had difficulty sustaining drives all afternoon with five three-and-outs. Outside of a couple of big plays for touchdowns, the Volunteers had very little offense against Alabama.

It seems as if when the Volunteers turn the ball over, it is always detrimental. The Volunteers only fumble ended up being a scoop and score.

Here are three takeaways from the game.

3. A tale of two quarterbacks

Before the season started, most college football onlookers thought Alabama quarterback Mac Jones was keeping the QB1 spot warm for five-star freshman quarterback Bryce Young. Not only has Jones not relinquished the starting job, but he has also flourished in Steve Sarkisian’s offense.

On the other hand, Tennessee starting quarterback Jarrett Guarantano has never lived up to the promise he came to Knoxville with. This game was a microcosm of Guarantano’s career.

Most of the game was sloppy, but there were two impressive throws for touchdowns. Guarantano always makes a play or two that has you think he can be great but then there’s the rest of the game.