Alabama-Tennessee: Best moments, highlights and takeaways
The Tide and Vols meet in a top-10 matchup….
It’s the third Saturday in October and time for the renewal of the Alabama Crimson Tide–Tennessee Volunteers rivalry.
The two SEC East rivals last met as top-10 opponents in 2016 — but this has been far from an even matchup in recent years. Alabama is riding a 15-game winning streak and Nick Saban has never lost to the Volunteers in his time in Tuscaloosa. The closest the Vols have been was a two-point loss in 2009, while the Crimson Tide have scored 41 or more points in eight of the past 15 meetings.
Bryce Young, who injured his shoulder two weeks ago against the Arkansas Razorbacks, got the start for Saturday’s game. Young will try to outduel Vols QB Hendon Hooker, who has accounted for 13 total scores and has yet to throw an interception. Entering Saturday’s contest, Tennessee’s offense is No. 1 in the nation in yards per game and No. 2 in points per game.
Alabama might have to rely on its defense, which has given up the sixth-fewest points and yards per game.
Don’t forget, besides taking a big lead in the playoff chase, the winner gets the victory cigar.
Here are the biggest plays and best moments from Alabama-Tennessee:
Alabama scores before the half
The Crimson Tide managed to get some points on the board with 36 seconds left before halftime thanks to a 49-yard field goal by Reichard. They trail Tennessee 28-20 entering the break.
Bryce throws a dime
Young led Bama on a 10-play, 84-yard drive that ended with a touchdown pass to Ja’Corey Brooks. It was an exceptional pass, hitting Brooks in the end zone while rolling to his left.
Vols keep scoring
After Bama muffed a punt that gave Tennessee the ball back, Vols tight end Princeton Fant ran it in from 3 yards out to increase Tennessee’s lead to 18. Alabama gave up 28 points at the 11:41 mark of the second quarter, which eclipsed its season high for points given up (26 against Arkansas).
💪💪💪 @pfant12 pic.twitter.com/HH08Dmg4Tt
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) October 15, 2022
Bama chips away
Alabama’s 73-yard drive stalled near the goal line, but a 21-yard field goal by Will Reichard cut Tennessee’s lead to 11 early in the second quarter.
Three TDs for Tennessee
It’s been all Volunteers in the first quarter. Hooker and Hyatt connected on another touchdown, this time an 11-yard catch and run. Tennessee extends its lead to 14 over Alabama in the first quarter.
Feed Jalin.pic.twitter.com/RSujeHpTCE
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) October 15, 2022
Hooker shows off the arm
Points are coming fast, as Hooker connected with receiver Jalin Hyatt for a 36-yard score. It is Hyatt’s sixth touchdown this season and puts Tennessee back in front.
Deep threat @jalinhyatt 🔥pic.twitter.com/9DPSXnmowd
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) October 15, 2022
Bama responds
Bryce Young‘s shoulder looked pretty good, as he made a couple of impressive throws to put Bama in scoring position. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs capped off the drive with an 8-yard touchdown run.
Throwing Dimes 🎯pic.twitter.com/bb56jshy3z
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) October 15, 2022
Walk it in! 💪@Jahmyr_Gibbs1 pic.twitter.com/IK58JOxOzc
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) October 15, 2022
Tennessee strikes first
The Vols’ opening drive lasted less than two minutes and ended with a Jabari Small touchdown run from a yard out. Tennessee is the first Alabama opponent to score a touchdown on the first offensive possession this season.
A perfect start for the Vols. pic.twitter.com/a6jznV95XC
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) October 15, 2022
A talk with a legend
Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker chatted with Tennessee alum and Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning before kickoff.
QB talk 🗣@Vol_Football pic.twitter.com/xPTDWLvPgK
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) October 15, 2022
The teams arrive
It’s different! pic.twitter.com/6MCjJKcXPk
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) October 15, 2022
Almost that time! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/yeRDBTdTVR
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) October 15, 2022
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