Former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy has a history of being tough on his alma mater on TV and radio, but isn’t ready to give up on the 2024 edition of the Crimson Tide after a couple of subpar weeks.

Now an analyst for the SEC Network, McElroy said during Saturday’s edition of SEC Nation live from Knoxville that he didn’t view Alabama’s 27-25 victory over South Carolina last week as such a disaster. Despite the final score, McElroy said the Crimson Tide — 5-1 heading into today’s game at Tennessee — was “in full control” most of the game.

“They were in full control of that football game,” McElroy said. “If you really look at it, they gave up a Hail Mary at the end to Nyck Harbor, essentially. They basically spotted them five with safety, and then the interception right before the half. They gave up a fourth-and-9 conversion.

“So you gave up one play, one drive and a Hail Mary. To me, it didn’t feel as bad. I think they were in full control, and they were essentially their own worst enemy last week, which is why the game ultimately came down to the wire.”

McElroy added that he’s not as “down” on Alabama’s defense despite its struggles in the second half vs. Georgia on Sept. 28, in the Oct. 5 loss at Vanderbilt and against South Carolina. He also feels good about Tennessee’s offense despite only 37 total points in a loss to Arkansas two weeks ago and a narrow over Florida last week.

McElroy will call Alabama-Tennessee for ABC on Saturday and spent time around both coaching staffs this week. Both teams remain confident, McElroy said.

“I think embracing the expectations knowing the fallout potentially because both teams kind of feel — whether it’s Bama defensively, Tennessee offensively — they feel like they’re at a bit of a crossroads,” McElroy said. “I think both coaching staffs feel like their best football is in front of them because of all the youth they’re relying on at key positions.

” … I think they’re really close. … I think Bama was close; I think Tennessee is close. I really believe this. I think both these teams can win the national championship because with the 12-team playoff, it’s not about where you’re at right now, it’s about where you’re going. And with the young players that are playing on both sides, I think their best football could be coming in November into December and then hopefully for these two teams in January.”

Alabama-Tennessee kicks off at 2:30 p.m. at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville.