No. 11 Tennessee surged from behind late and held on for a huge 24-17 win against No. 7 Alabama Saturday evening. The Vols erased a 7-0 deficit, and shook off their third straight game without scoring in the second half, to rally and earn their first top-10 win of the year.
Every time Tennessee needed an answer, it was the defense that stepped up. With 1:53 left in the fourth quarter, Alabama lined up to go for it on fourth-and-22 from its own 18-yard line. The Crimson Tide ran a quick screen to running back Justice Haynes, but he was corralled well short of the sticks by a host of orange jerseys.
That allowed Tennessee to tack on a 41-yard field goal from kicker Max Gilbert, expanding its lead to a touchdown and putting the pressure on Alabama to drive down the field. On the first play of what served as Alabama’s final drive, Tennessee defensive back Will Brooks jumped in front of a Jalen Milroe pass for the interception.
With Alabama out of timeouts, the Vols were able to kneel the clock out and pick up their second straight home win against Alabama.
- This is the first time since 2007 — Nick Saban’s first year in charge at Alabama — that the Crimson Tide have lost two regular-season games before the calendar hit November.
- This is also the first season since 1984 that Alabama has lost to Vanderbilt and Tennessee in the same year.
- Tennessee is now 2-41 in its last 43 regular season games against AP top-10 opponents. Both of those wins came at home against Alabama.
- Tennessee’s defense has now held eight consecutive opponents under 20 points, dating back to last season’s Citrus Bowl win against Iowa.
CBS Sports was here with you throughout the game with updates and analysis. Read on below for takeaways from the game.
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