Student versus master as Pruitt faces Saban
Jeremy Pruitt and Tennessee welcome a familiar face to Knoxville when the Volunteers play host to Nick Saban’s top-ranked Alabama squad for a Saturday matinee at Neyland Stadium.
The former Crimson Tide defensive coordinator squares off against Saban for the first time since eschewing Tuscaloosa for Rocky Top after seven seasons and five national titles. For Pruitt, facing his old boss is a true test for his young program.
“It’s a great measuring stick to play probably the best team in the country right now, so our players will be looking forward to it,” Pruitt said.
Despite the focus on the past partnership this week, it’s was one of Pruitt’s current coordinators that is the talk these days on Rocky Top. Tyson Helton’s switch from the press box to sideline to call plays last week seemingly helped ignite the Volunteers to 30-24 upset victory over No. 21 Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The most notable difference arguably came from the improved play by quarterback Jarrett Guarantano who enjoyed a career day.
For Tennessee (3-3, 1-2 SEC), the win was not only Pruitt’s first against a ranked opponent but also snapped an 11-game conference losing streak that dated to the 2016 season. The much-needed victory wasn’t lost on Volunteer nation.
“It was good to get a win this week on the road,” Pruitt said. “I think our kids are excited. I know our fan base was, but it’s like we told our players, we’ve got 24 hours to celebrate and enjoy it. Then it’s time to move on to Alabama.”
Pruitt — a former Tide defensive back — is acutely aware of what lies ahead in No. 1 Alabama (7-0, 4-0 SEC) and particularly against Saban’s defense.
“Basically, they’ve been able to do what they want to do,” Pruitt said. “They’re big up front. They’ve got guys that can rush the quarterback. They can play man-to-man. They’re really good at linebackers. All three levels they create issues.”
Defensively, Tennessee will have to contend with star quarterback and Heisman Award hopeful Tua Tagovailoa (2,452 yards, 27 touchdowns, one interception), who appears to have the green light to play despite sustaining a sprained right knee last week versus Missouri.
Pruitt recalls Tagovailoa rather well during his time in Tuscaloosa.
“I remember when he came to camp I didn’t see him throw,” Pruitt said of the Alabama sophomore. “They took him behind the indoor practice field down there and some of the guys were down there throwing. When they came back, they were all raving about it. He’s a phenomenal quarterback. He’s a better person, I can tell you that, just being around him.”