KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Alabama's defense gets most of the credit for the Crimson Tide's dominance. Tennessee knows to compete with the second-ranked team in the nation, the Volunteers will need to have their best defensive performance of the season.
The Volunteers (3-3, 0-3 Southeastern Conference) have given up 350.3 yards a game, ranking them 43rd among 120 nationally – but eighth in the SEC.
Tennessee seemed to improve last week, holding No. 1 LSU scoreless in the first quarter to end a 31-quarter scoring streak. But the Vols couldn't contain backup quarterback Jordan Jefferson in the second half, and LSU finished with 237 yards rushing and 383 total yards in its 38-7 victory.
Alabama (7-0, 4-0) boasts the SEC's top rushing and scoring offense, which has been overshadowed by the nation's best defense.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
