Nick Saban told Texas coach Steve Sarkisian that the No. 1 Longhorns must stop Tennessee’s run game and force freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon to make plays Saturday in Knoxville. Tennessee enters averaging 281.3 rushing yards per game, fourth nationally.
Alabama won at Neyland during both of Sarkisian’s stints on its staff: 49-10 in 2016, when he was an analyst, and 48-17 in 2020, when he was offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Saban called Neyland one of the SEC’s toughest venues, alongside LSU and Texas A&M, especially when a competitive game keeps fans engaged.
Brandon had rushed for 137 yards and three touchdowns this season; Saban said his ability to run when a pass play breaks down adds to the challenge. Saban also noted that Tennessee had allowed few explosive passes, while Texas had not produced them consistently. He questioned whether Texas could exploit downfield openings and said Arch Manning had been more effective on short throws.
