No. 6 Tennessee Takes Down No. 3 Alabama in High-Flying Shootout, 52-49

A last-second field goal by the Volunteers notched the program's first win over the Crimson Tide since 2006.

Author:
Joey Blackwell
Updated:
Oct 15, 2022 8:45 PM EDT
Original:
Oct 15, 2022

In this story:

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — For the first time since 2006, the Tennessee Volunteers can say that they have beaten Alabama football.

Saturday marked the first time that the Crimson Tide and the Volunteers have faced each other as undefeated teams since all the way back in 1989, and the pregame hype of the contest didn't disappoint as Tennessee kicker Chase McGrath nailed a 40-yard field goal as time expired to give the Volunteers a 52-49 win.

The loss to the Volunteers is the first for the Crimson Tide under head coach Nick Saban.

In his first game back since Arkansas due to a shoulder injury, Alabama quarterback Bryce Young completed 35-for-52 passes for 455 yards and two touchdowns. Young's 35 completions in a single game is second all-time for an Alabama quarterback, with Mac Jones' 36 against Ohio State in the 2021 CFP title game being the record.

Running back Jahmyr Gibbs led all Crimson Tide running backs with 103 rushing yards off of 24 attempts, an averaged of 4.3 per play. Tight end Cameron Latu led all receivers with 90 receiving yards off of six receptions.

On defense, defensive back DeMarcco Hellams finished with 10 total tackles and also recorded the Crimson Tide's one interception. Defensive lineman D.J. Dale recorded a solo sack, while outside linebacker Will Anderson Jr. and defensive back Brian Branch each split a sack.

With the win, Tennessee improves to 6-0 on the season while Alabama drops to 6-1 on the season.

How it Happened:

(most recent play at the top)

Fourth Quarter

FINAL: Tennessee 52, Alabama 49

Tennessee Scoring Drive Summary: 3 plays, 45 yards, 0:15 T.O.P.

FIELD GOAL Tennessee: McGrath nails a 40-yard field goal to win the game as the clock expires. Tennessee 52, Alabama 49.

Hooker completes a pass to McCoy for 27 yards to the Alabama 23.

Hooker completes a pass to Keyton for 18 yards to the 50.

Alabama recorded a touchback, then drove the football all the way down to the UT 32-yard line before Reichard attempted a 50-yard field goal. The kick is no good, and Tennessee took over with 15 seconds left on its own 32.

Tennessee Scoring Drive Summary: 11 plays, 75 yards, 4:23 T.O.P.

TOUCHDOWN Tennessee: Hooker hits Hyatt for yet another touchdown, this time for 13 yards. The extra point is good, and we are tied once again. Alabama 49, Tennessee 49 with 3:26 left to play.

Alabama intercepts Hooker for the second time today, this time by Kool-Aid McKinstry. However, pass interference is called. 1st and 10 Tennessee at the UA 14.

On 4th down, Tennessee commits a false start. That'll make it 4th and 5 at the UT 28.

On 3rd and 2, Wright is stopped just short. Tennessee will go for it on 4th and inches.

On 3rd and 5 at the UA 44, Wright rushed for 11 yards. 1st and 10 Volunteers

On 3rd and 6 at Tennessee's own 42, Brian Branch is called for pass interference. The ball is placed at the UA 49, 1st and 10 Tennessee.

A fair catch in the end zone places Tennessee at its own 25 to start the drive.

SCOOP 'N SCORE Alabama: Hooker fumbled the exchange, recovered and ran back 11 yards by Dallas Turner for the touchdown. The extra point by Reichard is good. Alabama 49, Tennessee 42 with 7:49 left to play in the game.

Tennessee takes the kickoff out of the end zone and makes it to the UT 18. However, an illegal block in the back moves the Volunteers all the way back to the 5-yard line.

Alabama Scoring Drive Summary: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:23 T.O.P.

TOUCHDOWN Alabama: On 4th and Goal at the 1, Young finds Latu all alone in the end zone for the touchdown. The extra point by Reichard is good. Alabama 35, Tennessee 35 with 8:38 left to play in the game.

After two failed scrambles by Young, it's now 3rd and Goal at the 1-yard line.

Alabama gains all of its yard back and more with a 42-yard reception by JoJo Earle. 1st and Goal at the UT 5.

Young is sacked for a huge loss of 14 yards. It'll be 2nd and 24 at the UT 47.

Gibbs makes a big reception, using his speed to burst for 30 yards. 1st and 10 Crimson Tide at the UT 33.

On 3rd and 1, McClellan barely makes it past the line to gain. 1st and 10 at the UA 37 with 12:22 left to play.

Touchback. Alabama will start its drive at its own 25.

Tennessee Scoring Drive Summary: 3 plays, 94 yards, 0:50 T.O.P.

TOUCHDOWN Tennessee: The Volunteers re-take the lead when Hooker finds Hyatt once again for a 78-yard strike. Tennessee attempts a 2-point conversion and is successful. Tennessee 42, Alabama 35 with 14:01 left in the game.

On 4th and 10 at the UT 40, James Burnip punts the ball all the way down to the UT 6. 1st and 10 Volunteers.

Third Quarter

End of the third quarter: Alabama 35, Tennessee 34.

Alabama fails to convert, and it'll be 4th and 10.

On 3rd and 8, another false start penalty backs Alabama up to the UT 44. 3rd and 13.

Traeshon Holden makes a 20-yard reception. 1st and 10 at the UT 40. That's Holden's first reception of the game.

INTERCEPTION Alabama: Hooker throws his first pick of the season, caught by DeMarcco Hellams. Alabama will start its drive at its own 37-yard line.

Another kickoff, another touchback. 1st and 10 at the 25 for Tennessee.

Alabama Scoring Drive Summary: 12 plays, 75 yards, 5:49 T.O.P.

TOUCHDOWN Alabama: Gibbs rushes around the corner for a 2-yard touchdown. The extra point by Reichard is good, and the Crimson Tide takes its first lead of the game. Alabama 35, Tennessee 34 with 4:27 left to play in the third quarter.

After pass interference was called in the end zone, it's now 1st and Goal at the UT 2 for Alabama.

And now... delay of game. That'll make it 3rd and Goal at the UT 16.

On 3rd and 1, Jase McClellan crossed into the end zone untouched. However, Tyler Steen is called for holding. It'll now be 3rd and Goal at the UT 11.

While we're in a break, it's notable that Young is 6-of-8 for 68 yards on the drive.

On 3rd and Goal at the UT 2, Tennessee commits offsides and made contact in the neutral zone. It'll be 3rd and Goal at the 1.

Young is putting together a heck of a drive, with the latest being an incredible pass and an incredible catch by Latu for a 23-yard gain. 1st and Goal at the UT 15.

Another first down as Gibbs rushes left for three yards.

On 3rd and 7, Young finds Prentice for eight yards. 1st and 10.

Gibbs opts for a touchback. 1st and 10 Alabama at its own 25.

Tennessee Scoring Drive Summary: 3 plays, 75 yards, 0:55 T.O.P.

TOUCHDOWN Tennessee: Hooker hits Hyatt deep for a 60-yard bomb. The extra point is NO good. Tennessee 34, Alabama 28 with 10:16 left to play in the third quarter.

A fair catch at the 1-yard line puts Tennessee at the 25 to start its drive.

Alabama Scoring Drive Summary: 3 plays, 59 yards, 1:02 T.O.P.

TOUCHDOWN Alabama: Gibbs rushes for a 26-yard touchdown. The Crimson Tide successfully completes the 2-point conversion, and we have a tie game. Alabama 28, Tennessee 28 with 11:11 left to play in the third quarter.

Jermaine Burton makes his first reception of the game, a big 36-yard catch that makes it 1st and 10 Alabama at the 26-yard line.

On 4th and 2, Tennessee is stopped short. Turnover on downs. Alabama takes over on the UA 41-yard line.

The kickoff sails through the end zone for a touchback. 1st and 10 Tennessee at its own 25.

Halftime Notes

Surprisingly, Alabama has the edge on Tennessee in total yards with 279 compared to the Volunteers' 247. 205 of those yards for Alabama were in the air, while 74 were on the ground.

Young finished his first half back from injury completing 17-of-26 passes for 205 yards and one touchdown.

Gibbs was Alabama's leading rusher with 62 yards off of five carries and a touchdown. He is averaging 4.1 yards per carry. Latu is the Crimson Tide's leading receiver with 66 yards off of four receptions. Brooks has the only receiving touchdown of the day so far for Alabama.

On defense, defensive back DeMarcco Hellams leads Crimson Tide defenders with seven total tackles. DJ Dale recorded the game's only sack, which coincidentally was the team's only tackle for loss in the first half.

Second Quarter

End of the first half: Tennessee 28, Alabama 20

Tennessee calls timeout. There is 0:03 left to play in the first half. The situation: 2nd and 1 at the UT 46-yard line.

Alabama Scoring Drive Summary: 7 plays, 39 yards, 2:08 T.O.P.

FIELD GOAL Alabama: Reichard hits a 43-yard field goal to pull Alabama within eight points. Tennessee 28, Alabama 20 with 0:36 left to play in the first half.

Alabama fails to convert, and Reichard will run out onto the field to attempt a field goal.

A loss of five makes it 3rd and 15 at the UT 25-yard line. An unexpected turn of events after that surprising no-call for targeting.

A video review is currently underway to see if Young was targeted by Tennessee DL Thomas Omari. After review, there is no call for targeting.

Alabama has driven all the way down to the 20-yard line in three plays. 1st and 10 Crimson Tide as they enter the red zone.

On 4th and 6, Tennessee goes for it. Hooker overthrows Keyton Ramel in the end zone. Alabama takes over on downs at its own 36.

On 3rd and 12 at the UA 41, Hooker rushes forward and is unable to convert. Tennessee calls a timeout after draining the clock. There will be 2:47 remaining in the game after a commercial break.

Hooker is sacked by D.J. Dale on 1st and 10 to make it 2nd and 17.

Offsides called on Alabama makes it 2nd and 10.

Henry To'oTo'o almost intercepted a pass that was tipped up. However it falls to the turf. After a false start, it's 2nd and 15 for the Volunteers.

Another pass interference call on Alabama gives Tennessee 1st and 10 at the UT 49. That makes eight penalties for the Crimson Tide.

Another touchback places the Volunteers on their own 25 to start the drive.

Alabama Scoring Drive Summary: 10 plays, 84 yards, 4:49 T.O.P.

TOUCHDOWN Alabama: Young finds Ja'Corey Brooks for a 7-yard touchdown reception. Tennessee 28, Alabama 17 with 6:46 left to play in the first half.

Young finds Latu for a 12-yard completion, down to the 13-yard line. 1st and 10.

[Pardon the gap in updates, Statbroadcast is currently down)]

Gibbs returns the ball from the 1-yard line, but is taken down at the 16. 1st and 10 Alabama.

Tennessee Scoring Drive Summary: 3 plays, 40 yards, 1:01 T.O.P.

TOUCHDOWN Tennessee: Princeton Fant rushes for a 2-yard score. Extra point is good. Tennessee 28, Alabama 10 with 11:41 left to play in the first half.

...And it all means nothing. Quandarrius Robinson muffs the punt while trying to pick it up after McKinstry intentionally let it go. 1st and 10 Tennessee at the UA 40.

Tennessee's offense records its first three-and-out of the game. The Volunteers will make their first punt of the game.

Reichard's kick sails through the end zone for a touchback. 1st and 10 Tennessee at its own 25.

Alabama Scoring Drive Summary: 12 plays, 73 yards, 4:52 T.O.P.

FIELD GOAL Alabama: Reichard hits a 21-yard chip shot. Tennessee 21, Alabama 10 with 14:07 left to play in the first half.

On 3rd and Goal at the 2, Young's pass is tipped and falls to the ground incomplete. It will be 4th and Goal as the field goal unit comes out onto the field.

Alabama will start the quarter with a 2nd and Goal situation on the UT 3-yard line.

First Quarter

End of the first quarter: Tennessee 21, Alabama 7.

Young finds Latu for a 17-yard gain. 1st and 10 at the UT 34.

Back-to-back carries by Gibbs gives Alabama another first down. That gives him 28 yards off of eight carries today.

Two holding penalties on two different Tennessee defenders gives Alabama an automatic first down. 1st and 10 at the UA 37.

Gibbs lets the kickoff sail through the end zone for a touchback. 1st and 10 Alabama at its own 25.

Tennessee Scoring Drive Summary: 4 plays, 35 yards, 1:02 T.O.P.

TOUCHDOWN Tennessee: Hooker connects with Hyatt again for an 11-yard score. The extra point is good. Tennessee 21, Alabama 7. There is 3:59 left to play in the first quarter.

The punt was definitely not one that Burnip would be proud of. It will be 1st and 10 for the Volunteers from the UA 35-yard line.

Young is rushed and frantically gets rid of the ball to avoid a sack. Alabama will have to punt from the back of their end zone.

Delay of game. Alabama now has 7 penalties, and we haven't even reached the end of the first quarter. 3rd and 22.

False start. 1st and 20 at the 3.

Yet another holding call on Alabama negates a 28-yard gain.

During the kickoff return, holding pushes Alabama back to its own 14-yard line. 1st and 10 Crimson Tide.

Tennessee Scoring Drive Summary: 5 lays, 75 yards, 1:16 T.O.P.

TOUCHDOWN Tennessee: Hendon Hooker throws a dime to Jalin Hyatt for a 36-yard touchdown pass. Extra point is good. Tennessee 14, Alabama 7.

On 3rd and 8, a pass interference penalty will give Tennessee another chance. 1st and 10 Volunteers at their own 47.

The kickoff sails through the end zone for a touchback. Tennessee will start its drive at its own 25.

Alabama Scoring Drive Summary: 8 plays, 71 yards, 2:12 T.O.P.

TOUCHDOWN #Alabama: Gibbs rushes around the end for an 8-yard score. The extra point by Reichard is good. Alabama 7, Tennessee 7.

Young throws a dime and finds Isaiah Bond for a 33-yard completion. 1st and 10.

On 2nd and 9, Alabama is called for holding. That'll make it a 2nd and 19 from the UT 49.

On 3rd and 6, Young finds Ja'Corey Brooks for a 27-yard completion. 1st and 10 Crimson Tide at the UT 40.

Jahmyr Gibbs returns the kickoff to the UA 29. 1st and 10 Alabama.

Tennessee Scoring Drive Summary: 7 plays, 56 yards, 1:58 T.O.P.

TOUCHDOWN TENNESSEE: The Volunteers storm down the field, and a 1-yard rush by Jabari Small puts the first points of the game on the board. The extra point by Chase McGrath is good. Tennessee 7, Alabama 0.

An 11-yard completion and a 20-yard rush makes it 1st and 10 at the UA 25.

James Burnip's punt sails 48 yards, and a 12-yard return gives Tennessee its first drive of the game. 1st and 10 at the 34-yard line for the Volunteers.

On 3rd and 10, Young's pass falls incomplete. Alabama is forced to punt on its first drive.

Two plays, two completions for Young. A quick pass in the flat to TE Cameron Latu gains 11 yards and a first down.

Bryce Young is starting at quarterback.

Alabama returns the kick back to the 21-yard line. However, an illegal block in the back puts the Crimson Tide back at its own 7. 1st and 10 Crimson Tide.

Pregame

Tennessee has won the toss and will defer to the second half. Alabama will receive the ball in the south end zone. Here we go...

Today's officials:

Referee: Autrey, Jason
Umpire: Hill, Walt
Linesman: Green, Chad
Line Judge: Rice, Chuck
Back Judge: Hankins, Martin
Field Judge: Nicholson, Allan
Side Judge: Spencer, Brandon
Center Judge: Snead, Chris

The national anthem is over, and the marching band is conducting drills. We are approximately eight minutes from the scheduled kickoff.

Alabama has left the field, and now we wait for team introductions, the coin toss and kickoff.

Tennessee has left the field, while Alabama remains. Young is taking snaps through play walkthroughs with the first-team offense. It does appear that he will start today.

LB Jaylen Moody, who missed last week's game with a bruised kidney, is suited up and warming up with the team. He appears to be wearing extra padding to protect his injury.

Not surprisingly, Young has participated in all drills thus far. The first-team offense will be warming up as a unit soon, which will finally give us an answer on his starter status.

Today's captains for Alabama: QB Bryce Young, OLB Will Anderson Jr., LB Henry To'oTo'o.

Some of the position groups have come out onto the field. Young is under center behind Seth McLaughlin, a good sign that he will be starting today.

All Alabama players have retreated back to the locker room. When they return, we will have a better idea of if Young will be today's starter at quarterback.

Make that 40-yard passes. His shoulder doesn't appear to be bothering him that much.

Young is now making 20-yard passes to a trainer in the end zone.

Bryce Young is out on the field performing arm stretches and warming up. He's performing a lot of warmups on his right shoulder, which was injury at Arkansas exactly two weeks ago.

Several skill players have also stepped onto the field, including running back Jahmyr Gibbs.

Special teams players for both Alabama and Tennessee have stepped onto the field to begin warmups.

Nick Saban and Alabama football have arrived at Neyland:

Henry To'oTo'o seems ready to go:

College GameDay is a believer in the Will Anderson Jr. hype:

According to ESPN, Tennessee safety Jaylen McCullough and wide receiver Cedric Tillman will be out for today's game. Tillman is still recovering from tightrope surgery that he underwent back in September, while McCullough was arrested this past week and charged with aggravated assault.

Kickoff for today's game is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT. Current weather conditions (11:45 p.m. CT): 74 degrees Fahrenheit, Sunny, winds 12 m.p.h. to the northeast.

How to Watch:

Who: No. 3 Alabama at No. 6 Tennessee

When: 2:30 p.m. CT, Saturday, Oct. 15

Where: Neyland Stadium

TV: CBS

Live Stream: fuboTV (Start your free trial)

Radio: Crimson Tide Sports Network. Play-By-Play Chris Stewart, Analyst John Parker Wilson. SiriusXM channel 81.

Series: Alabama leads 58-38-7, including 15 in a row dating back to 2007

Last Meeting: Alabama beat Tennessee 52-24 inside Bryant-Denny Stadium to extend its streak over the Volunteers to 15-straight games. But the game was closer than the final score indicated. It was a back-and-forth affair until Alabama poured on 28 points in the fourth quarter to pull away and seal the game.

Bryce Young was 31-43 for 371 yards and two touchdowns while running back Brian Robinson Jr. added three rushing touchdowns. Hendon Hooker gave the Alabama defense fits early on, and he finished with 282 yards and two touchdowns.

Last Time Out, Alabama: With Bryce Young held out with a shoulder injury, the ball was placed in redshirt freshman Jalen Milroe's hands to run the Crimson Tide offense. Alabama turned the ball over four times with Milroe being responsible for three of the four (two fumbles and an interception.) Will Reichard missed two field goals, and Texas A&M had a chance to win it on the final play of the game.

Haynes Kings' pass sailed incomplete, and Alabama held on for the 24-20 win over the Aggies. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs had his second consecutive 100-yard rushing performance, and Jermaine Burton had his first touchdown reception since Week 1 against Utah State.

Last Time Out, Tennessee: The Volunteers went down to Baton Rouge for the first time since 2010 and completely handled business against LSU. Tennessee jumped out to a 20-0 lead over the Tigers in the first half and never looked back in the 40-13 road win.

Tennessee racked up over 500 yards of total offense. Hooker had 239 passing yards and two touchdowns, and running back Jabari Small had his best game of the year with 127 yards and two touchdowns.