Tim Tebow shares matchup he is most excited to see in Tennessee vs. Alabama

There are plenty of important matchups that will help decide Saturday’s showdown between Alabama and Tennessee.

ESPN analyst Tim Tebow revealed what he believes to be the most important one on SportsCenter Saturday morning.

According to Tebow, the game very well could be decided by how Tennessee’s rushing attack performs against Alabama’s defensive front.

The Vols currently have the top rushing attack in the SEC as they are averaging 231 yards on the ground per game. But Tebow doesn’t expect them to find much running room against Alabama.

“I think it has to be the best rushing attack right now in the SEC in Tennessee vs. the front seven of Alabama, especially their front four,” Tebow said. “Because they have been vicious the last five weeks.”

Alabama is third in the SEC in rushing defense, allowing 104 yards per game. In three of the past four games, the Crimson Tide have given up 100 rushing yards or less.

Tebow is impressed by what he has seen on film as of late.

“It starts with the double teams. And when you have great double teams with your defensive tackles, now your linebackers can flow sideline to sideline, can fill the gaps and can stop the run,” Tebow said. “They’re doing a great job of filling these double teams, getting off the blocks and then stopping the offensive line from even getting movement up front.”

He pointed to a third-and-three play for the Arkansas offense last week to highlight just how tough it is to run against Alabama.

The Razorbacks were facing a Crimson Tide defense that had only five players in the box. Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson was called upon to pick up the needed yardage with his legs, but he was tackled short of the line to gain.

“Here, this is an advantage for Arkansas. A 250-pound quarterback, you have 5-for-5. This has to be a first down for the offense,” Tebow said. “But because the defensive line is so solid they give nothing but they take everything.”

Tebow appears to be favoring Alabama in the battle up front. If the Crimson Tide can keep Tennessee from getting the running game going, it could be a long night for the Vols.

Alabama is an 8.5-point favorite ahead of the Saturday afternoon showdown. The game will kickoff at 3:30 p.m. and will be televised by CBS.

“This is the Alabama defense that we saw years ago,” Tebow said. “They’re back. That’s not good news for Tennessee.”