Tennessee could present unique challenge for Alabama

Alabama is a heavy favorite against struggling Texas A&M this weekend, even with quarterback Bryce Young questionable due to a right shoulder injury. Next Saturday, however, might bring the toughest challenge of the regular season for Nick Saban's team: The Tennessee Volunteers.

Tennessee has launched itself into the same stratosphere as some of the nation's best programs under second-year coach Josh Heupel. QB Hendon Hooker is an early Heisman Trophy candidate, and the Volunteers have an offense that has looked prolific through four games. 

Tennessee leads all FBS programs with 559.3 total yards per game, and the team's 48.5 points per game trail only Ohio State. 

It's tough to fully gauge Alabama, even after five games. The Crimson Tide have only faced two competitive opponents in Texas and Arkansas. Alabama barely survived the Longhorns, pulling out a 20-19 win on the road, and Arkansas trailed by five points this past weekend before the Tide pulled away. 

There seems to be a real chance Young is ready to play against Tennessee, if not sooner, but Alabama can't afford any offensive struggles in Knoxville. Hooker hasn't thrown an interception yet this season, and he's a rushing threat as well with 175 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. 

ESPN's Paul Finebaum expressed concern about Alabama's chances against Tennessee, saying Tuesday on ESPN Radio, "You get into a passing duel, a scoring duel with Josh Heupel at Tennessee, you're probably going to lose." 

Finebaum called Young's injury "a problem," even if the Heisman Trophy winner can play in Knoxville.

Alabama hasn't lost to Tennessee since 2006, winning by at least three touchdowns in each of their last six meetings.