After big Third Saturday win, Tennessee has new life while Alabama faces grim questions
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — "Hey!" a Tennessee fan in an orange golf shirt yelled as he stood triumphantly over the bent goalposts at Neyland Stadium's south end. "Every two years, we're gonna do this [expletive]!"
Once again, Tennessee defeated Alabama at Neyland Stadium. Jubilant Volunteers fans stormed the field, tore up the turf, and pulled down the goalposts, reigniting hope in Knoxville. Meanwhile, for the first time in 15 years, serious questions have arisen in Tuscaloosa.
"What a night on Rocky Top," Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel said after the game, his voice hoarse from cigar smoke. "This is college football at its finest. I love our fans—they stuck with us tonight. Hell of a day to wear orange."
In the first half of Saturday's Alabama-Tennessee game, it looked as if both teams were impersonating their former top-ranked selves, with sloppy, undisciplined play on both sides. But by the second half, the true versions of the No. 11 Volunteers and No. 7 Crimson Tide emerged, resulting in Tennessee's 24-17 victory.
With the win, Tennessee moves closer to a playoff spot and a potential SEC championship berth. Alabama, now with two losses, faces a much tougher path in a crowded playoff race.
Alabama had a chance to take the lead with two minutes left, down 21-17. However, a crucial unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on receiver Kendrick Law, who shoved Tennessee defensive back Arion Carter, ended the Tide’s momentum. Though Carter had provoked Law and thrown a punch in retaliation, only Law was flagged.
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