Alabama will be counting on many players to make an impact against Vanderbilt on Saturday afternoon. Here are some of the biggest x-factors.
Alabama plays Vanderbilt on Saturday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. ET inside Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Both teams come in with similar rankings and have good records. Alabama has played the more difficult schedule, playing both Georgia and Florida State on the road.
Vanderbilt has a high flying offense led by Diego Pavia. Vanderbilt is undefeated, and looking to continue their winning streak. Alabama is looking to avenge last year's loss to Vanderbilt, and keep their momentum building as we enter the teeth of the season.
Below are a list of critical X-factors for the Tide to secure a victory over Vanderbilt on Saturday.
The Alabama passing game vs. Vanderbilt secondary
Alabama has an elite group of wide receivers to include Ryan Williams, Germie Bernard, and Isaiah Horton. Vanderbilt has the No. 10 ranked passing defense in the SEC giving up 200 yards per game, as well as nine touchdowns in five games. It is fair to acknowledge that some of these touchdowns came against backups. That being said, Vanderbilt hasn't face a quarterback or group of wide receivers that are this good.
Ty Simpson is playing some of the best football in the country at any position. He gets better and better each week in Ryan Grubb's offense. Williams, Bernard, and Horton are all NFL caliber wide receivers. They also do different things well, and succeed in different areas of the passing game. I think the Alabama wide receivers will be able to create separation vs. the Vandy secondary. Ty Simpson could have his best game yet.
Alabama defensive injuries
Defensive lineman Jeremiah Beaman, linebacker Qua Russaw, and linebacker Jah-Marien Latham are all out for the game against Vanderbilt. Also, defensive lineman James Smith is out for first half due to a targeting penalty last week. Those are key injuries against a Vanderbilt running game that is red hot, led by quarterback Diego Pavia.
Alabama has to tackle Diego before he gets to second and third level, and these injuries hurt the Tide on that front. Diego's ability to run also creates opportunities for running backs Sedrick Alexander and Mahkilyn Young to rip off yardage. The Alabama defensive line and backers are deep and talented, so not a major area of concern IMO. However this is still something to watch for if the game is close, as their depth will get tested.
Alabama's team speed on defense
The Vanderbilt offense has played phenomenal thus far this season. They have a good play calling and personnel that fits their system. That being said they haven't played a defense with as many elite playmakers as Alabama's. They also haven't seen the team speed at the second/third level that Alabama shows.
Bray Hubbard, Keon Sabb, and Justin Jefferson are hybrid players that fly around and cover ground very quickly. Also, LT Overton and Yhonzae Pierre have been major factors in the pass rush and making TFL's. This gives Alabama the advantage, even coming in banged up.
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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama football x-factors to win vs. Vanderbilt Commodores in Week 6
Category: General Sports
