Postgame Mini-Pod: Vols snap losing streak with walk-off win over Alabama

Tennessee stormed out of the gates against No. 3 Alabama. Following a third down stop on the Tide’s first possession, Tennessee marched 56 yards on seven plays to score first on a one-yard run from Jabari Small. Alabama answered on the ensuing possession with a Jahmyr Gibbs eight-yard run, though the Vols could have made the tackle in the backfield.

Eric Cain and Austin Price give their instant reactions to Tennessee’s 52-49 win over Alabama.

Hooker then went long for Jalin Haytt on Tennessee’s next drive, connecting on the dart in the endzone from 36 yards away. The junior wideout scored again, from 11 yards away, on the Vols next possession after the defense forced a Crimson Tide three-and-out.

Princeton Fant scored later in the half on a two-yard run from the fullback position in the offset eye. Alabama, of course, wouldn’t go away even though it trailed 28-10 in the second quarter. Young rolled out left to find Ja’Corey Brooks in the back of the end zone for one score while Will Reichard connected on a 43-yard field goal.

The game was a 28-20 Tennessee lead at the half.

Alabama’s surge continued early in the second half, halting a Tennessee fourth and two play a yard short of the sticks. The Tide needed only three plays to find the end zone following 36-yard reception by Jermaine Burton and a 26-yard run from Jahmyr Gibbs. Both Christian Charles and Tre Flowers gave up the explosive plays.

Alabama and Tennessee were all tied up at 28-28 with just over 11 minutes left in the third quarter.

Like clockwork, Tennessee responded. The Vols needed just three plays to find the end zone to get back out in front. Hyatt got the hat trick as well as he and Hooker connected for the 60-yard touchdown reception for the score. Tennessee went back on top, 34-28, but Chase McGrath missed the PAT.

Thanks to the missed PAT, the Tide took their first lead of the game midway through the third quarter. It was a series of offensive penalties by Alabama that forced a third and 16 from the 16. Then, Vols cornerback DaShawn Rucker was called for pass interference to set up first and goal. Gibbs scored on the next play to make it Alabama 35, Tennessee 34.

Tennessee was driving before Hooker threw his first interception of the season on a third and six play where the ball intended for Bru McCoy sailed. He had a lot of pressure in his face while throwing. The turnover, however, didn’t come back to hurt the home team as Tennessee’s defense forced a punt on the Alabama takeaway.

The Vols jumped back out in front, again with Hyatt outrunning the secondary. It was his fourth reception of the day and his fourth touchdown of the contest. The Vols went for two to make it a seven-point game once again and converted on the Utah pass to Fant. The Vols led again 42-35.

Bryce Young and the Tide tied it back up moments later when the reigning Heisman trophy winner hit tight end Cameron Latu in the end zone. Young looked as if he was going to rake off up the middle, but then popped up to find the open receiver for the score. With 8:38 remaining in the ballgame, the score was tied at 42.

Alabama took the lead once again, courtesy of an 11-yard scoops and score touchdown from Dallas Turner. Hooker and Small fumbled the handoff exchange and Turner was able to score with ease to give the Tide some momentum at 49-42 with 7:49 remaining.

That would be it for scoring for Alabama as Tennessee scored the final 10 points of the game on Hyatt’s fifth touchdown of the game and McGrath’s 40-yard game-winning field goal.