Alabama Throws Away Chances Against Tennessee, Drops to Vols

In a game that was previewed to be an offensive-minded dream, it was the defenses that showed up on the Third Saturday in October between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers.

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Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe made his intentions known early - Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard would be the reasons the Crimson Tide defeated the Volunteers in Knoxville.

Amid all the questions about the "Swarm D" and the scheme of defensive coordinator Kane Wommack in Tuscaloosa, the defense shut out Tennessee in the first half for the third straight football game for the Volunteers. Alabama's offense was stagnant, struggling to run the football with Jam Miller or Justice Haynes, and force-feeding Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard was not working in the first half.

Milroe tossed a pick on a jump ball to Ryan Williams to keep the game scoreless in the first quarter, while Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava tossed two picks to Malachi Moore and Jaylen Mbakwe.

It was a pass to Ryan Williams, however, that gave the Crimson Tide its lead, taking a slim 7-0 margin into halftime over the Tennessee Volunteers.

In the second half, Tennessee found its groove. Dylan Sampson ran wild on the Crimson Tide in the third quarter, and so did the remainder of the Tennessee run game, with 12 carries for 101 yards and two touchdowns in the third quarter for Tennessee.

Meanwhile, Alabama's offense continued to struggle. To start the fourth quarter, Alabama found the endzone on a seven-yard score by Justice Haynes. The Crimson Tide finally held the lead again, but Tennessee's prolific offense still had time to see the field.

Thanks to a holding call, Alabama's defense got off the field, giving Milroe and the offense a chance to go on a game-clinching drive.

Alabama immediately went three and out.

Alabama had another chance at a game-winning drive, and Milroe immediately threw a pick, ending the Crimson Tide's comeback hopes against the Volunteers.

Alabama fell to Tennessee, 24-17.

Stat Leaders

Passing: Jalen Milroe - 25/45, 239 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
Rushing: Jam Miller - 12 carries, 42 yards
Receiving: Ryan Williams - 8 catches, 73 yards, 1 TD
Defensive: Deontae Lawson - 11 tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss

Big Picture

Alabama drops to 5-2 and 2-2 in SEC play. The Crimson Tide have one more game before a bye week, returning to Tuscaloosa to take on the Missouri Tigers on Saturday, October 26 before the final month of the season. Alabama's still in the College Football Playoff race, but the margins for error are razor-thin for the Crimson Tide.

Is this a playoff-worthy team? Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide will have to figure out that answer over the next month of the season. One thing is for sure - the performance in Knoxville won't do anything to settle the anxieties of the Crimson Tide faithful.

The Sportsbook at Pearl River Resort sponsors coverage of Alabama and Tennessee. Located at Golden Moon Hotel & Casino, it offers traditional sports betting, where guests can bet on all professional league sports and major collegiate sporting events.

Wyatt Fulton is the TIde 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.