WATCH: Jalin Hyatt sets school record with incredible 78-yard touchdown catch
Tennessee receiver Jalin Hyatt set a school record for receiving touchdowns in a single game after grabbing his fourth against Alabama. Hyatt caught his fourth touchdown pass of the game in the fourth quarter, giving him 194 yards and four scores on the day with just five catches.
Jalin Hyatt sets school record
With the 78-yard touchdown snag, Hyatt jogged into the end zone and Tennessee program history — while giving Tennessee a real shot at taking down Alabama. The Volunteers began the game red-hot while building a 28-10 lead and scoring on four of their first five possessions. Despite the start, Alabama and Bryce Young fought back in a big way to take a 35-34 lead in the third quarter and set up Hyatt for the go-ahead touchdown grab.
The play sets up a huge opportunity for Tennessee to make a statement in the SEC and college football rankings. Tennessee has lost their last 15 meetings against the Crimson Tide, and have lost 28-straight games against teams ranked in the top-5 of the nation.
On the field, the fans were given plenty to cheer about early on with the Volunteers building a 28-10 lead early in the second quarter. From there, former Heisman-winner Bryce Young stabilized Alabama and even jumped out to a lead in the second half. With the game tied at 42-42, Alabama picked up a fumbled handoff by Hendon Hooker and scored a defensive touchdown to take a seven-point lead.
Tennessee’s following possession nearly ended in disaster after a pass from Hooker was tipped and intercepted by Alabama in the end zone — only to get a second chance after a pass interference call against Alabama’s defense. With a second chance, Hooker delivered a touchdown strike to Jalin Hyatt for their fifth touchdown pass and catch of the game — a school record for Hyatt.
With the game tied, Tennessee’s fans had to watch as Alabama threatened to end the game with a field goal of their own — only for Will Reichard’s kick attempt to go wide right and give Tennessee the ball back with good field position and little time remaining. Hooker brought his team down into field goal range quickly and McGrath delivered the win with a 40-yard make.