Alabama vs. Tennessee score: Storming back in second half, Tide appear to be legit SEC title contenders

Alabama pushed its home winning streak in the rivalry to 10 straight in the victory over the Volunteers

No. 11 Alabama rallied from a 13-point deficit to crush Tennessee 34-20, avenging an instant-classic 2022 loss to the Volunteers and extending its home winning streak in the rivalry to 10 games. Tennessee led 13-0 early and 20-7 at halftime before the Crimson Tide exploded in the third quarter, thriving in all phases of the game as the Volunteers wilted before an elated crowd at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe bounced back from a rough second-half outing against Arkansas last week with a sterling third-quarter performance as he found Isaiah Bond for a 46-yard touchdown on Bama's second offensive play of the second half. The Crimson Tide's defense did its part from there by holding Tennessee to just 37 yards and a single first down in the third quarter as Alabama outscored its foe SEC East foe 17-0 in the frame. 

Alabama kicker Will Reichard remained perfect on the season with makes of 42 and 50 yards in the second half. The Tide defense put an exclamation point on the victory with Jihaad Campbell's 24-yard scoop-and-score following Chris Braswell's strip sack of Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton with 7:26 remaining.

The Crimson Tide are now 7-1 (5-0 SEC) and still in solo possession of first place in the SEC West. They are off next week before hosting LSU. Tennessee fell to 5-2 (2-2 SEC) in advance of a trip to Kentucky next week that will require the Vols to eradicate their road woes. In a September loss at Florida and in Saturday's defeat, Tennessee led 7-0 early before getting blasted from there while struggling with penalties.

National validation

After a 34-24 home loss to Texas on Sept. 9 and a lackluster 17-3 win at South Florida the following week, Alabama fell to No. 13 in the AP Top 25, which was its lowest ranking since September 2015. While double-digit victories over Ole Miss and Mississippi State to close September helped right the ship, narrow wins against struggling division foes Texas A&M and Arkansas to begin October did little to inspire confidence.

Then came Saturday's second-half performance. So dominant were the Crimson Tide that it changed the outlook for what they can accomplish in the weeks ahead. If Saban's club can get past LSU, Kentucky, Chattanooga and Auburn, it will head to the SEC Championship Game with a shot at heading back to the College Football Playoff.

The version of Alabama we've seen for much of this season wouldn't stand a chance against Georgia, who will likely represent the SEC East in the conference title game. The version of Alabama that showed up in the second half against Arkansas last week or against Texas in Week 2 is bad enough to lose against Kentucky or LSU. But the version of Alabama we saw in the second half against Tennessee can beat anyone, including Georgia.

Alabama, the ultimate opportunist

Tennessee did its part in helping Alabama dominate the second half and the Crimson Tide capitalized any time the Vols made a major mistake. That opportunism allowed Alabama to run away with the game over the last 30 minutes.

The first hallmark moment came rather early in the third quarter; Tennessee's first offensive possession, in fact. Alabama kicked off after scoring its first touchdown of the second half and it appeared as if Tennessee had a decent return. However, officials ruled that one of Tennessee's returners -- not the one that touched the ball -- called for a fair catch. As a result, the ball was spotted at Tennessee's 4-yard line. Tennessee subsequently went three-and-out and gave Alabama favorable field position to later kick a field goal.

On its very next offensive drive, Tennessee went for it on fourth-and-1 from its own 47-yard line and failed to convert. Five plays later, Alabama running back Jase McClellan ran the ball in from 5 yards out to give the Crimson Tide a 24-20 advantage -- their first lead of the game. Early in the fourth quarter, Alabama faced third-and-9 from Tennessee's 36-yard line. Milroe's pass attempt sailed above the wide receiver's head, but the Vols were called for a defensive holding that gave Alabama an automatic first down. 

A few plays later, the Crimson Tide kicked a field goal to go up by seven. A few plays after that came the all-important defensive touchdown which put the game away. With every Tennessee blunder in the second half, Alabama capitalized.

Struggling to run

Tennessee entered ranked No. 6 nationally in yards rushing per game at 231.3. They had just run for 232 yards against a quality Texas A&M defense, and the three-man running back room of Jaylen Wright, Jabari Small and Dylan Sampson seemed poised for another big game against the Crimson Tide. However, the Vols' leading rusher ended up being Milton, who finished with 59 yards on the ground even after losing 33 yards on three sacks.

The Volunteers struggled all game to open consistent holes in the traditional run game as the running back trio totaled just 72 yards on 23 carries with a long of 12 yards coming from Sampson. The running struggles took Tennessee out of rhythm offensively and forced Milton into 41 pass attempts, which turned out to be a winning formula for an Alabama defense that surrendered its longest play of the day on the game's opening series.

[Oct 21, 2023 at 6:59 pm ET · Will Backus]

Alabama shuts it down

Tennessee had a chance to make things at least a little interesting, knocking on Alabama's goal line with around two minutes to play. But the Vols got behind the sticks on fourth down thanks to a false start and quarterback Joe Milton's prayer of a pass floated harmlessly into the end zone without a receiver in the area. Alabama's defense is set to hold Tennessee without a score in the second half after allowing 20 points over the first 30 minutes.

[Oct 21, 2023 at 6:59 pm ET · David Cobb]

Struggling to run

Tennessee entered ranked No. 6 nationally in yards rushing per game at 231.3. It had just run for 232 yards against a quality Texas A&M defense to help atone for a lackluster passing performance. The three-man running back room of Jaylen Wright, Jabari Small and Dylan Sampson seemed poised for another big game against the Crimson Tide. However, the Vols' leading rusher ended up being Milton, the quarterback. 

[Oct 21, 2023 at 6:40 pm ET · David Cobb]

Road collapses

If this result holds, Tennessee's two losses this season will have something obvious in common: both started with early 7-0 leads as the offense was on script. Then came massive meltdowns. The first example was against Florida in September, and there have been similarities today. Untimely penalties, struggles in short-yardage situation. Most concerning today, though, is Tennessee's relative inability to run the football. Just 3.4 yards per carry on 34 attempts.

[Oct 21, 2023 at 6:36 pm ET · Will Backus]

Alabama's defense likely seals the game

If Alabama's offense can't score a touchdown to put this one away, the defense stepped up. The Crimson Tide have completely silenced Tennessee this half and likely just delivered the killing blow, as edge rusher Chris Braswell got to quarterback Joe Milton to force a sack-fumble. Alabama recovered and returned it for a touchdown to take a 34-20 lead. Given how Tennessee has played in the second half, that'll likely do it for Alabama with 7:26 left to go. 

[Oct 21, 2023 at 6:31 pm ET · Will Backus]

Alabama extends its lead

Alabama had a chance to slam the door shut on this game with a touchdown, but the Crimson Tide will take a 50-yard field goal to go ahead by seven points. Kicker Will Reichard got some redemption for his miss in a similar spot last season and expanded the Crimson Tide's lead to 27-20 with about nine minutes to play in the fourth quarter. Alabama is on a 20-point run, as Tennessee's offense has completely crumbled in the second half. The Vols need an answer, or this one could get out of reach. 

[Oct 21, 2023 at 6:31 pm ET · David Cobb]

Big stop

Tennnessee's defense has been on the field a lot in this second half, but the Volunteers just came up with a critical stop as Joshua Josephs sacked Milroe on a loss of 9. Will Reichard his automatic and just drilled one from 50 to make it a 7-point game, but that stand was critical to Tennessee's chances. The Vols have been lifeless offensively in the second half but still have a shot. Vols are up to their season average of four sacks per game.

[Oct 21, 2023 at 6:15 pm ET · David Cobb]

Tennessee's troubles

Now three drives into this second half, the Volunteers have mustered just 37 yards. This time, they were beset by a holding penalty that set up a first-and-20. Alabama was penalized an absurd amount in last seasons's matchup. But today, it's the Vols who are struggling with penalties as they've been whistled five times versus just one penalty on Alabama. It's officially danger zone for the Volunteers (who are now also at risk of failing to cover an 8.5 point spread).

[Oct 21, 2023 at 6:09 pm ET · Will Backus]

Tide take control

Alabama is in the middle of a dream-like third quarter. After taking a 20-7 lead into the half, Tennessee has absolutely collapsed. The Crimson Tide just scored their 17th unanswered point, courtesy of a 5-yard touchdown run from running back Jase McClellan. It took the tide just five plays to move the ball 47 yards for the score, capitalizing on a failed Tennessee fourth-down attempt. Alabama is on the edge of running away with this thing if Tennessee can't come up with an answer. 

[Oct 21, 2023 at 6:03 pm ET · David Cobb]

Failed fourth down

Tennessee is now 0 for 2 on fourth-down attempts after going for it on fourth-and-2 at its own 47-yard line. It's all Alabama here in the third quarter as the Volunteers are grinding to halt with their run game. Crimson Tide can tie it with a field goal or go ahead with a touchdown. Vols got bailed out with a Jalen Milroe interception after their last failed fourth-down attempt. Lot to ask of the defense to bail out the offense again.

[Oct 21, 2023 at 5:57 pm ET · David Cobb]

Tennessee teetering

Tennessee defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott was whistled for consecutive offsides penalties on that Alabama drive, helping the Crimson Tide edge closer to field-goal range. The Volunteers were also lucky not to get flagged for a late hit when Elijah Herring clubbed an Alabama ball-carrier after the whistle. Vols seem to have lost a bit of composure coming out of the locker room.

[Oct 21, 2023 at 5:56 pm ET · Will Backus]

Alabama keeps chipping away

All Alabama so far in the third quarter. After its opening touchdown drive, the Crimson Tide held the Vols -- backed up to their own goal line -- to three-and-out. A few Tennessee penalties gave Alabama favorable field position and the Crimson Tide were able to tack on a field goal, narrowing the gap to 20-17. This will be a key drive coming up for Tennessee to keep this game from spiraling out of control. 

[Oct 21, 2023 at 5:49 pm ET · David Cobb]

Weird break

Tennessee began with the football at its own 4-yard line after it was ruled that the Vols signaled for a fair catch but then returned it anyway, thus relegating the spot to where the fair catch was called. Vols didn't a throw a single pass, went three-and-out -- and less than three minutes into the second half, the momentum has flipped entirely in Alabama's favor. Crimson Tide in good field position down just 20-14.

[Oct 21, 2023 at 5:41 pm ET · Will Backus]

Game on

Alabama couldn't ask for a better start to the second half. The Crimson Tide have hit on deep plays all year, and they just used one to battle right back into this game. It took Alabama two plays to score -- a 29-yard run from Jase McClellan and then a 46-yard touchdown connection between quarterback Jalen Milroe and wide receiver Isaiah Bond, who was running wide open behind Tennessee's secondary. The Tide now trail 20-14, but opening the second half with a touchdown was crucial. 

[Oct 21, 2023 at 5:38 pm ET · David Cobb]

Alabama football

The Crimson Tide are starting the second half with the football, and it'l be interesting to see if they can establish the run. Jase McClellan ran for 36 yards on 10 carries, and Roydell Williams had 6 yards on two carries. But down two scores and with minimal success to fall back upon on the ground, this game could be in the hands of Jalen Milroe. Of note: we've yet to see him truly uncork a bomb.

[Oct 21, 2023 at 5:34 pm ET · David Cobb]

Milton's redemption

Joe Milton had arguably his worst game in six seasons of college football last week as the Vols survived against Texas A&M in spite of his 11 of 22 performance, which included a gutting interception at the goal-line in the second half. Well, through two quarters at Alabama, he is on the path to redemption. Milton is 16 of 22 for 175 yards and two touchdowns. He's also run eight times for 43 yards and picked up some critical yards. Vols needed a big performance from their QB to have a chance in this game, and they are getting one so far.

[Oct 21, 2023 at 5:16 pm ET · Will Backus]

Tennessee makes Bama pay

Late 2Q: No. 17 Tennessee 20, No. 11 Alabama 7

Tennessee was able to turn a huge defensive play into some crucial points. Defensive back Jaylen McCollough gave the Vols the ball back with about three minutes to go with his end zone interception and then Tennessee methodically worked the ball down the field, setting up third-and-goal on Alabama's 6-yard line with 16 seconds to play. Alabama brought the house to try and disrupt Tennessee's play call, but quarterback Joe Milton read it perfectly and delivered a strike in the end zone to tight end McCallan Castles. The Vols take a crucial two-score lead into halftime, as Alabama starts the second half with the ball. 

[Oct 21, 2023 at 5:01 pm ET · Will Backus]

Mistakes mounting for Alabama

Alabama is lucky that Tennessee's offense hasn't been able to capitalize, because the Crimson Tide have been sloppy. Alabama had a chance to take a lead late in the second quarter -- and get the opening kickoff in the second half -- with the ball at Tennessee's 20-yard line. But on second-and-7, quarterback Jalen Milroe took a deep shot that was tipped away by Tennessee cornerback Doneiko Slaughter and intercepted by safety Jaylen McCollough, closing the door on that scoring opportunity. 

[Oct 21, 2023 at 5:00 pm ET · David Cobb]

Bullet dodged

Tennessee's Doneiko Slaughter deflected a deep ball in to the end zone, and Jaylen McCollough was there to intercept it. Big play from the Volunteers' secondary as Jos Heupel dodges a bullet on the risky/failed fourth-down attempt in Alabama territory. Vols will have 3:10 to try and regain some offensive momentum before halftime. Alabama gets the football to start the third quarter.

[Oct 21, 2023 at 4:56 pm ET · David Cobb]

Game-changing play

Joe Milton came up a half-yard short on third-and-6 at Alabama's 34-yard line. Josh Heupel elected to go for it, and Milton was stuffed at the line of scrimmage. The Vols went out of the shotgun on fourth down, and the gutsy call backfired. Tennessee just handed a very average Alabama offense excellent field position with a chance to take the lead late in the first half.

[Oct 21, 2023 at 4:47 pm ET · Will Backus]

Alabama strikes

It took a while, but Alabama is fighting back into this game. The Vols' offense has largely stalled since their touchdown drive to open the game, giving the Crimson Tide plenty of opportunity to answer. They did so midway through the second quarter thanks to a touchdown connection between Jalen Milroe and Jermaine Burton, who has emerged over the last few weeks as Milroe's go-to guy. Momentum is slowly starting to shift towards the home team after an ice-cold start. 

[Oct 21, 2023 at 4:37 pm ET · David Cobb]

Tennessee's offense slowing down

The Volunteers nailed a scripted first drive to perfection but haven't been nearly as precise since then. A three-and-out brings their defense back onto the field quickly as Alabama takes over at its own 41. The Crimson Tide are doing a good job of limiting Tennessee's running game. Gains of 4-6 yards on the ground just aren't there for the Vols right now, and Milton is only 4 of 10 since his 9 of 9 start.

[Oct 21, 2023 at 4:33 pm ET · Will Backus]

Alabama offense disjointed

It looked like Alabama was finally set to build some momentum in this game. Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe opened the second quarter with a 34-yard pop pass to Kendrick Law, moving the ball into Tennessee territory for the first time all day. But then the Tide had a 3-yard run, incomplete pass and then allowed a sack that lost seven yards, knocking them out of field goal territory and bringing on another punt. 

[Oct 21, 2023 at 4:32 pm ET · David Cobb]

More sacks

Tennessee's defense entered the game ranked third nationally in sacks per game at four, and the Volunteers are already up to two after Omarr Norman-Lott took down Jalen Milroe for a loss of seven. With a positive gain or even no gain there, Alabama likely could have brought on excellent kicker Will Reichard for a field goal attempt. Instead, the sack positioned Bama in a fourth-and-14 at the 43 and forced a punt. Critical play from the Vols' defensive front.

[Oct 21, 2023 at 4:25 pm ET · David Cobb]

Tennessee in the red zone

Tennessee couldn't have scripted a start much better than this one, but the Volunteers may wind up kicking themselves for settling for field goals on a pair of trips inside Alabama's 10-yard line during the first quarter. Last week, the Vols made nine trips to Texas A&M territory and scored just one touchdown. They are once against struggling to pick up critical yards in opponent territory. Keep in mind: the Tennessee touchdown came on a 39-yard pass. Thus, the Vols are 0 for 2 on scoring touchdowns in the red zone so far in this game.

[Oct 21, 2023 at 4:24 pm ET · Will Backus]

Bama defense holding

Alabama's defense has been on the field a majority of the first quarter, but the Crimson Tide are doing a good job of holing on. Tennessee started its last drive at Alabama's 23-yard line and hit on a 14-yard passing play immediately. Alabama's defense locked in from there, allowing just one yard in three plays and forcing another field goal. The Vols could be up by more than 13-0, and Alabama's offense certainly isn't helping, but the defense deserves a lot of credit. 

[Oct 21, 2023 at 4:14 pm ET · David Cobb]

Vols up 10

A costly drop from Dont'e Thornton ended Joe Milton's perfect start and took the Volunteers out of rhythm as they drove down the field. Ultimately, the Volunteers settled for a 24-yard field goal to go ahead 10-0. Milton is now 10 of 13 for 112 yards and a touchdown. He's already surpassed his passing yards total from last week in just the first quarter as Squirrel White has six grabs for 77 yards.

[Oct 21, 2023 at 4:14 pm ET · Will Backus]

Alabama reeling

Tennessee has put itself behind the chains a couple times today -- a situation the Vols normally struggle with -- but Alabama has not been able to string enough stops. It seemed like momentum might be swinging when Tennessee was called for holding call around midfield to force a first-and-20, but quarterback Joe Milton took off for a gain of 13 on a draw and Tennessee got the first a play later. That let the Vols to drive the ball deep into Alabama territory and kick a field goal to go up 10-0 early. 

[Oct 21, 2023 at 4:00 pm ET · David Cobb]

Negative play

Tennessee's Jaylen Wright was stonewalled for a loss of four yards on first down after the Alabama punt, and that set the Volunteers behind the chains. Squirrel White nearly picked up the first down on third-and-9 but was stopped about two yards short. So the teams have traded quick three-and-outs, and the Crimson Tide will take over at their own 30 trailing 7-0.

[Oct 21, 2023 at 3:57 pm ET · Will Backus]

Alabama can't answer

After Tennessee's blazing-hot start, Alabama really could have done with an answer. Unfortunately for the Crimson Tide, they were held to a three-and-out after running the ball twice from second-and-4 and failing to pick up a first down. A good punt from James Burnip has the Vols backed up to their own 14-yard line to start this next drive. Maybe the defense can conjure up some momentum for Alabama. 

[Oct 21, 2023 at 3:50 pm ET · David Cobb]

Incredible catch

Tennessee's Squirrel White just made an incredible diving catch at the pylon on a perfectly thrown deep ball from Joe Milton III. White had it in his fingertips and somehow managed to control it while dragging a foot and diving to the turf. Play went under length review, but it stood. That's an 8-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that included four receptions by Squirrel White.