No. 11 Tennessee Beats No. 7 Alabama 24-17 as Milroe Falters

© Randy Sartin-Imagn Images

The No. 11 Tennessee Volunteers (6-1, 3-1 Southeastern Conference) upset the No. 7 Alabama Crimson Tide (5-2, 2-2 SEC) 24-17 on Oct. 19 in Knoxville, Tenn. Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe struggled in this one. Milroe threw 2 interceptions with the second one being the game-ending one for the Volunteers. Both offenses were sloppy in this one but with the help of Volunteers running back Dylan Sampson, it was just enough for the home team.

Game Summary

Both teams struggled to find offense as they went into the second quarter tied 0-0 looking for answers on how to solve the others' defense.

Finally, the Crimson Tide broke through as Milroe found phenom wide receiver Ryan Williams for a 5-yard touchdown and they were ahead early in the second quarter at 7-0. Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava threw 2 interceptions in the second quarter as Tennessee was behind 7-0 at halftime.

As the second half opened up, Tennessee scored on its second possession as they went 7 plays and 91 yards for the tying touchdown that was scored by Sampson. Alabama kicked a field goal for a 10-7 lead. But Sampson answered again with another TD for a Tennessee 14-10 lead. Crimson Tide running back Justice Haynes scored a TD at the end of a 6-play drive, giving Alabama a 17-14 lead.

Then, a late fourth-quarter pass from Iamaleava to wide receiver Chris Brazzell II for a 16-yard TD put Tennessee up 21-17. The Volunteers added a field goal for a 24-17. Tennessee held its lead. With 1:24 left in the fourth quarter and one timeout, Milroe threw his second interception as Will Brooks picked it off. And the celebration was on at Rocky Top.

Turning Point for Tennessee

The true turning point in the game was when it was 21-17 Volunteers, and the Crimson Tide turned it over on downs.

The Volunteers were at a fourth-and-2 deep in Crimson Tide territory and Alabama had only one timeout left. They settled for the field goal to force the Crimson Tide to drive the field and force overtime.

The Crimson Tide failed on the first play of their final drive as it was picked off and the Volunteers won.

What It Means for Each Team

As for the Volunteers, what a victory. It's the second time in a row that they have beaten the Crimson Tide. They now have a bye week, giving Tennessee time to soak up the big victory.

As for the Crimson Tide, they have to find answers especially on the offensive side of the ball. They go on to face the No. 19 Missouri Tigers (6-1, 2-1 SEC) on Oct. 26 from Bryant-Denny Stadium at a time to be determined.