Bruce Ailer

10/19/2024

alabama

This past Saturday, folks witnessed quite the barnburner. The Tennessee Volunteers, ranked No. 11, handed the No. 7 Alabama Crimson Tide a stinging 24-17 defeat. The pivotal moment came late in the fourth quarter with a diving 16-yard touchdown snag by Chris Brazzell II from Nico Iamaleava, pushing the Volunteers ahead 21-17. Dylan Sampson of Tennessee shone bright, sprinting for 139 yards and notching two touchdowns, leaving no doubt about Tennessee's aspirations for a College Football Playoff spot. 'They've played like this all year,' said Tennessee's coach Josh Heupel, commending his squad's grit. Meanwhile, Alabama's quarterback Jalen Milroe couldn't find much rhythm, going 25 for 45 with two interceptions. Alabama's ground game also faltered with a meager 89 yards. Milroe himself rued the loss, saying, 'I gotta do better.' The game reached its climax with 2:25 left, but Alabama's unsportsmanlike conduct penalty blunted their drive, allowing Tennessee to seal the victory with a field goal. Tennessee overcame early turnovers and a halftime deficit, eventually turning the tide with Iamaleava's 55-yard connection to Dont'e Thornton. Next, Alabama faces Missouri, hoping to regroup, while Tennessee prepares for Kentucky.