By Garin Turner
For the first time in 15 years, No. 6 Tennessee defeated No. 3 Alabama 52-49. Chase McGrath made a wobbly 40-yard field goal as time expired and the fans rushed the field.
The win moves Tennessee to 6-0, 3-0 SEC and will most likely put them in the top four when the rankings are released. Jalin Hyatt had 207 yards and six receptions for Tennessee. He had a record five touchdowns.
The Volunteers jumped out to a 21-7 lead by the end of the first quarter. Hyatt scored two of his touchdowns in the first on a 36-yarder and an 11-yard pass from Hendon Hooker. Alabama would be down 28-10 before storming back into the game. They scored 18 unanswered points to tie the game at 28 with 11:11 left in the third quarter.
The teams would trade touchdowns for the rest of the game. Alabama QB Bryce Young returned and didn’t disappoint throwing for 455 yards and two scores. He extended plays all game and was a big part of Alabama coming back.
Jahmr Gibbs also had a big day for the Tide. He finished with 103 yards on 24 carries and three touchdowns. WRs Cameron Latu and Ja’Corey Brooks had a touchdown. Latu finished with 90 yards on six receptions while Brooks had 79 yards on six receptions.
Hooker went 21/30 for 385 yards and five touchdowns. The two teams combined for 1,136 yards of total offense. The game had three ties and five lead changes including three in the fourth.
UP NEXT
Tennessee steps out of SEC play next Saturday as they host UT Martin at noon EST.
Alabama (5-1, 3-1 SEC) will return home in another tough matchup against No. 16 Mississippi St. on Saturday at 7 pm EST.
