Josh Heupel calls Jahmyr Gibbs 'a really good back'

Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs is putting up explosive numbers out of the backfield for the Crimson Tide this season. Through six games, the shifty Georgia Tech transfer racked up over 750 yards from scrimmage and is incredibly efficient in the run game at 8.3 yards per touch.

So he’s an obvious challenge for the Tennessee defense heading into Saturday’s game between the Tide and the Volunteers. Plus, given Alabama’s quarterback situation — starter Bryce Young is dealing with injuries, and backup Jalen Milroe barely led a win over Texas A&M — Nick Saban might opt to go with a run-heavy attack against Tennessee. Which is led by Gibbs.

Vols head coach Josh Heupel knows stopping Gibbs will be task No. 1 for his defense. Which he believes will be difficult because of how well-rounded the Tide RB is.

“Yeah, I think he’s got really good pace, vision. Delivers blocks really well. Slow to go early, but once he hits the hole he’s got an explosive nature about him. He’s got the ability to to make you miss in open space. Can take it the distance. He’s a really good back. He’s explosive, so you know that they’re gonna try to find ways to get the ball in his hands,” Josh Heupel said.”

It may sound like a strange strategy considering ‘Bama has a Heisman winner under center, but Josh Heupel believes it may be best to emphasize stopping the run over stopping the pass. At least to start the game. Gibbs can be a runaway train once he gets some momentum on the ground.

“In the run game, you’re best not to let him get started. If he does, he’s got the ability to take it the distance. He’s got good vision and pace behind the line of scrimmage. When he sees a hole, he’s able to hit it. You know, he does a really good job of making people miss too. So, we got to bottle him up in the run game, and then when they use him in the pass game too, you’ve got to do a great job of taking him away and matching him out.”

Hard to imagine Tennessee will take him out of the game completely. But limiting Jahmyr Gibbs in any capacity would be a win for the Vols and a huge step towards pulling the upset over Alabama.