Three Key Stat Lines Going Into The Alabama/Tennessee Game
SIGN UP NOW FOR A PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION!
Key recruits to know for Alabama/Tenn. game
Former players recall favorite memories from Alabama-Tennesse rivalry
ONE: Alabama’s streak over Tennessee by the numbers
Games won: 10--One more Alabama win would match the series’ longest streak set by Alabama from 1971-81.
Tennessee head coaches: 4
One-possession victories: 2 (2009 and 2015)
Alabama scored at least 40 points: 5 (2007, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2016)
Alabama held under 21: 2 (2009 and 2015)
Tennessee scored at least 14: 3 (2007, 2014 and 2015)
TWO - Is Damien on pace to run away with the Heisman (or at least get an invite)?
The Alabama back has currently carried the ball 68 times for 625 yards (an average of 9.19 yards per attempt). Nine of those carries have gone for touchdowns. In fact, Harris is currently averaging a touchdown every 7.56 carries.
Since former Alabama running back Mark Ingram won the award in 2009, seven running backs have finished inside third or higher in the Heisman vote. However, former Alabama running back Derrick Henry is the only other back to actually bring home the award since Ingram.
Assuming Harris plays six more games before the Heisman ceremony, he is on pace for 126 carries, 1161 yards and 16 rushing touchdowns.
That would give him less rushing yards and less rushing touchdowns than all seven other backs had at that point in their seasons.
Of the seven, former Alabama back Trent Richardson (3rd in 2011) rushed for the least amount of yards, but he still went on to finish with 1,583 yards. Richardson’s 20 total touchdowns might be the closest comparison to Harris for this category as well.
Former Stanford running back, and 2015 runner-up, Christian McCaffrey had only 12 offensive touchdowns, but his candidacy was aided by his role as a return man that included plenty of return yardage and a special teams touchdown.
So what does all this mean for Harris’ Heisman chances?
The numbers aren’t currently on his side, but there’s reason to be optimistic.
His yards per carry average is a lot stronger than any of those other backs, and his role on a national championship contender will keep him in the spotlight. If he can pick up the scoring down the stretch and cross the 20-touchdown threshold, then he’ll likely remain in the conversation when the final votes are cast in December.
THREE: Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs has four receptions for a team-high four touchdown passes.
(Tight end Hale Hentges is matching that scoring rate with two touchdowns on only two catches).
Alabama’s kickers are attempting almost as many field goals (18) as punts (23) this season.
The Crimson Tide has picked up a conference-high 167 first downs this season. Only 10 teams in the country have moved the chains more at the FBS level.
Alabama has scored touchdowns 25 of the 36 times it has found itself in the red zone. The Crimson Tide has scored on the ground 19 of those times.
This Saturday, the Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers will meet for the 100th time. Alabama holds a 54-37-8 advantage (before vacations and forfeits).
Game Details
No. 1 Alabama 7-0 vs. Tennessee 3-3
Saturday, October 14, 2017
Time: 2:30 p.m. CT
TV: CBS
Play by Play: Brad Nessler and Gary Danielson
Line: -34 Alabama