3 Biggest X-Factors For Alabama to Bounce Back vs Tennessee

The Alabama Crimson Tide are coming off a disappointing loss to the Georgia Bulldogs last week at home.

Alabama feels like they should have won the game, but in the end, they couldn't overcome Georgia. Now, the Crimson Tide will be turning their attention to the Tennessee Volunteers for a huge road game this week.

The Crimson Tide are being favored to win the game, despite the game being on the road, showing faith in this team to bounce back. But the Volunteers are a strong team, and they could give Alabama some trouble this week.

Here are three of the biggest X-Factors for Alabama to get back on track against the Volunteers this week:

1. Kalen DeBoer Can't Overthink Things

Coming off the tough game against Georgia, Alabama will be trying to make sure that they don't drop this contest to the Volunteers. But this team, namely head coach Kalen DeBoer, can't overthink this game; otherwise, it could spell some trouble for them.

DeBoer has taken some nice strides as the Alabama coach this year, but this team has to finish the year strong for him to get off the hot seat. Alabama has the talent to win this game against Tennessee, but they will have to trust themselves and execute the game plan to perfection.

2. Keelon Russell Continues Strong Season

Russell has emerged as one of the better quarterbacks in the entire country, giving Alabama a legitimate star at the position. Against Tennessee, Russell will need to keep his play going strong, both through the air and on the ground, where he can be very dangerous.

For the season, Russell has thrown for 1,599 yards with 12 touchdowns and just two touchdowns, while rushing for 225 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Russell has given Alabama a major spark offensively, and his play will play a big role in how this game plays out.

3. Slow Down Volunteers Running Game

For the Crimson Tide, they will need to make sure that they limit the Volunteers running game in the best way possible. Tennessee relies heavily on a run-heavy scheme, and it's allowed them to find all sorts of success this season.

Running back DeSean Bishop has rushed for 678 yards and eight touchdowns this season, and he has been a major catalyst for this offensive attack. If Alabama can slow down the rushing game, it could force Tennessee to throw the ball, which would be a major win for the Crimson Tide.