Can Tennessee Replicate the Magic of 2022 Against Alabama?

On a thrilling October night in 2022, the Tennessee Volunteers broke a 15-year drought against their most bitter rival, the Alabama Crimson Tide. The scoreline—52-49—reflected an intense, back-and-forth contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last second. With quarterback Hendon Hooker engineering a miraculous two-play drive late in the game, and Chase McGrath’s 40-yard field goal sealing the victory, Knoxville erupted into celebration as the goalposts came crashing down. For Tennessee, it was more than just a victory—it was a resurgence, a statement win that reignited hopes that the Vols could once again contend with the nation’s elite.

Fast forward two years, and Tennessee welcomes Alabama back to Neyland Stadium for the first time since that unforgettable night. The stakes are just as high, and fans are wondering if the Vols can replicate the magic that saw them topple Nick Saban’s powerhouse team. However, this season’s Tennessee squad looks quite different from the high-octane, offensive juggernaut that won the day in 2022.

This year’s Vols are built quite differently. The 2024 team has relied on defense as its calling card, allowing fewer than 20 points in every game so far. Under the leadership of defensive coordinator Tim Banks, the Tennessee defense has developed into one of the stingiest in the SEC. The revamped secondary, once a glaring weakness, has improved drastically, making it harder for opposing quarterbacks to carve up the field. The defensive front, always a strength under Banks, has continued to generate pressure, making life difficult for any offense that tries to run the ball.

Yet, while the defense has flourished, Tennessee’s offense has struggled. Through the first six games, the Vols have failed to score more than 25 points in their last three contests—a far cry from the offensive fireworks of 2022. The reasons behind this are multifaceted, but they start with an offense that has failed to live up to lofty expectations.

The Vols’ quarterback of the future, Nico Iamaleava, has had an up-and-down season so far. Coming into 2024 with sky-high expectations, the former five-star recruit was hailed as the most talented quarterback Tennessee had brought in since Peyton Manning. But being a freshman quarterback in the SEC is never easy, and Nico has faced the inevitable growing pains that come with learning to navigate one of the toughest conferences in college football. There have been flashes of brilliance—throws that showcase his arm strength, accuracy, and poise in the pocket. But there have also been moments of inexperience. Nico, at times, has looked like a freshman, making decisions that more seasoned quarterbacks would avoid.

Part of the challenge has been the play of Tennessee’s offensive line. While the interior of the line has been solid, with veterans like Cooper Mays and Javontez Spraggins anchoring the unit, the tackle positions have been a problem. Struggles in pass protection, particularly from tackles Lance Hurd and John Campbell Jr., have left Iamaleava under pressure far too often. Without adequate time in the pocket, Nico has been forced into hurried decisions, which has led to some inconsistency.

The issues don’t end with the offensive line. Tennessee’s wide receiver corps, heralded as one of the deepest in the SEC at the start of the season, has also underwhelmed. While there is undeniable talent in the receiver room, much of it remains unproven. The Vols’ pass-catchers have struggled to find separation at times against quality defensive backs, which has made it harder for Iamaleava to get into a rhythm. Between that and the struggles of the pass protection, the big plays just haven’t been there through the first three games of the conference slate.

So, what will it take for Tennessee to replicate their success from 2022? First and foremost, the Vols need to rediscover their offensive identity. Only scoring 20 points won’t be enough to beat Alabama, and head coach Josh Heupel knows it. While the defense has carried the team so far this season, they cannot expect to keep Alabama’s offense completely in check.

The key to victory, then, lies in Tennessee’s ability to score points. If the offense can get back on track, they can win this game. But if they continue to struggle in pass protection, fail to get the ball to their playmakers, and allow Iamaleava to be constantly pressured, the Vols could be in for a long night.

One area where Tennessee could find success is in the running game. Running backs Dylan Sampson and DeSean Bishop have been productive all season, and they could play a crucial role in controlling the clock and keeping Alabama’s offense off the field. Against an Alabama defense that has shown vulnerabilities in stopping the run, Tennessee’s ability to control the tempo could be the difference-maker. If Sampson and Bishop can consistently pick up yardage and keep Alabama’s defense on its heels, the Vols will have a real shot at pulling off the upset.

The 2024 edition of Tennessee vs. Alabama has all the makings of a classic Third Saturday in October showdown. To win, Tennessee needs a complete performance. The defense will have to rise to the challenge of stopping Milroe and Williams, while the offense must rediscover the explosiveness that characterized the team’s 2022 victory. It’s a tall order, but if the Vols can find balance on offense and control the game with their running attack, they could make it two wins out of the last three against Alabama.

The crowd at Neyland Stadium will certainly be ready, and come Saturday night, Knoxville could once again be witness to something special.