Two Southeastern Conference football rivals played each other yet again! After 15 years, No. 6 Tennessee finally got a win against No. 3 Alabama on October 15. In Knoxville, Tennessee’s Neyland Stadium was packed with ‘Vols’ fans hungry for a win. Although Alabama was favored to win the game, Tennessee started the 1st quarter strong with a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Jabari Small, which put them up by 7 after a successful extra point attempt. Alabama tied the game on an 8-yard run by running back Jahmyr Gibbs and an extra point. At the end of the 1st Quarter, the Vols scored two more touchdowns with successful extra points to put them ahead 21-7. At the beginning of the 2nd quarter, Alabama kicked a field goal to make the score 21-10. Then Tennessee scored a touchdown to increase their lead 28-10. Before going into the half, Alabama’s Bryce Young threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver Ja’Corey Brooks and then the Crimson Tide kicked another field goal putting the score at 28-20.

At the start of the 3rd Quarter, Alabama scored another running touchdown and completed the two-point conversion, tying up the score at 28. In the 4th quarter, Alabama took its first lead of the game at 35-34 on a touchdown after Tennessee had kicked two field goals. The Tennessee Volunteers were not ready to give up just yet, as Hendon Hooker threw a 78-yard touchdown pass to Jalin Hyatt to make the score 42-35!

Alabama came back by scoring two more touchdowns to take the lead 49-42. Tennessee tied up the game on a touchdown by Jalin Hyatt, and then Volunteer Place Kicker Chase McGrath kicked a 40-yard field goal to upset the Crimson Tide! After the game-winning kick, the Vols stormed the field in excitement, even taking out the goalpost! Tennessee continues to dominate the SEC in preparation for the rest of the season! 

By Delilah Doda’23 Sports Editor