Alabama vs. Tennessee: Grading The Crimson Tide’s Performance

The Tide's offense received an A because of its ability to get an early lead and then score when it mattered most. We often expect perfection out of this team especially following last week's flawless performance. At the end of the day, mistakes will be made. It is how they limit those mistakes that will define this offense.

The greatest gift to any quarterback is a wide receiver like Amari Cooper. His 224 receiving yards broke Julio Jones' record (221) for most receiving yards in a single game. Cooper also became the first Tide player in history to have two 200 yard receiving games in a single season. Sims still has a problem of throwing to Cooper even when he is not open. And while he still had a great day passing, running the ball was his bet attribute on Saturday. He picked up three first downs using his legs and also scored on a 28 yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

Sims was able to make decisions in the pocket thanks in part to the time he was given by the offensive line. However, the line did not open up holes for T.J. Yeldon or Derrick Henry like it did last week. The job did get done and Leon Brown did a nice job of replacing the injured Cam Robinson at left tackle. Yeldon and Henry may have racked up bigger numbers with some better blocking, but they have to become more patient for a lane to open up.

The biggest negative to take away from the win on Saturday was turnovers. Alabama fumbled twice including a Jalston Fowler fumble that was knocked loose as he was about to score. Fumbles have been a recurring problem for this offense. In future games, those type of turnovers can cost you.

Alabama's defense did not seem prepared for Joshua Dobbs after Tennessee's usual starter at QB, Justin Worley, did not play due to a shoulder injury. The Vols rushed for 181 total yards including Dobbs' 75 yards. That is the most yards Alabama has allowed to a team and single player this season. Many of those yards came after contact as the Tide struggled to wrap up and make tackles. Statistically, Alabama's rush defense has not had a worse game. Tennessee still did not move the ball at will and had to rely more on Dobbs' arm.

Dobbs arm did prove to be quite reliable. He had four passes that went for 20 yards or more and finished with 192 passing yards. Often times, the Tide's secondary was in good position and just did not make a play on the ball. The secondary has shown vast improvement over the last few weeks. They will continue to improve as long as they do not allow as many big plays.

The defense made a few big plays of its own. A Reggie Ragland and Cyrus Jones interception helped keep the turnover margin balanced and kept Alabama in control. So not only does Alabama need to limit turnover, they also need to force them.

An Adam Griffith missed extra point following Alabama's first score is the only thing preventing the special teams from getting an A. The grade may seem harsh, but missed extra points have already been the difference in a few losses around the country this season. It was not all bad news for Griffith. He had three touchbacks on six kickoffs.

JK Scott averaged just over 42 yards per punt with a long of 60. If he has not already, talks need to begin about Scott winning the Ray Guy Award, which is given yearly to the nation's best punter.