Alabama

WR Jaylen Waddle

Waddle excelled in both punt returns and receiving against Texas A&M. Tennessee’s punter averages almost 10 yards less than Texas A&M’s punter, so Waddle might not get the four explosive returns that he was able to get versus Texas A&M. But after catching his first touchdown of the year, Waddle will look to be a large part of the passing game for the rest of the season. He appears in line to play for much of the first half against Tennessee on Saturday due to junior DeVonta Smith’s suspension.

LB Terrell Lewis

Lewis had a career day in College Station by pressuring Kellen Mond 11 times and totaling two sacks. Tennessee’s missed assignments or poor communication against Mississippi State last week led to a sack and five tackles for a loss. If Alabama’s defensive plans allow Lewis or other linebackers to disguise their blitzes, it could be a repeat of Lewis’ performance in College Station, especially if freshman quarterback Brian Maurer ends up starting for the Volunteers. 

S Xavier McKinney

Maurer could be facing the first SEC road test of his young career on Saturday night, and it is very possible that he will be under pressure and forced into a mistake. McKinney, who already has one interception this season and leads the team in tackles, could be the one who takes advantage. McKinney was a blanket on Texas A&M’s receivers last week, including breaking up one pass. 

Tennessee

RB Ty Chandler

With uncertainty at quarterback, the Volunteers might rely on their rushing attack, specifically Chandler, more than they did in previous games. Even though his sample size of rushes is small this season, he has averaged 5.1 yards per carry. He earned those yards against the quality defenses of No. 9 Florida and No. 10 Georgia. With the Alabama defense giving up a large number of yards in the second half, especially in the rushing game, Chandler could give the Crimson Tide defense trouble.

LB Darrell Taylor

Tua Tagovailoa has yet to be under constant pressure for four quarters this season, but the offensive line will once again have a tough task with Taylor, the starting outside linebacker for Tennessee. In Tennessee’s first all-around defensive performance of the season against Mississippi State, Taylor was able to get into the backfield easily, including sacking the Bulldogs quarterback twice and forcing a fumble. 

DB Nigel Warrior

Warrior, a starting safety for Tennessee, is currently playing at the peak of his four-year career. After intercepting just one pass through his first three years as a Volunteer, he has now recorded two in the past four games, including one last week against Mississippi State. His ball-hawking abilities are not just limited to interceptions, as he has recorded five pass breakups on the season, with all of them coming in the last five games. With Tagovailoa throwing his first interception of the season against Texas A&M, Warrior will be on the lookout to force him to make another mistake.