The 11th-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide overcame a 14-point deficit to defeat the 17th-ranked Tennessee Volunteers 34-20 in an exciting SEC matchup on Saturday.
Alabama quarterback Mac Jones threw for 387 yards and four touchdowns, including two fourth-quarter scores that helped the Crimson Tide pull away from the Volunteers. Jones was aided by a strong performance from wide receiver DeVonta Smith, who had eight receptions for 144 yards and two touchdowns.
The Crimson Tide defense also played a key role in the victory, forcing two turnovers and limiting Tennessee to just two field goals in the second half. Alabama linebacker Dylan Moses had a team-high 12 tackles, while defensive back Patrick Surtain II had an interception in the fourth quarter to help seal the win.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with the Volunteers taking an early 14-0 lead in the first quarter. But Alabama responded with two touchdown passes from Jones to Smith to tie the game at 14 heading into halftime.
The second half was all Alabama, as the Crimson Tide scored 20 unanswered points to take a 34-14 lead late in the fourth quarter. Tennessee scored a late touchdown but it was too little too late as Alabama held on for the 34-20 victory.
The win was a big one for Alabama, who improved to 8-1 on the season and remain in contention for a spot in the College Football Playoff. The Crimson Tide will face LSU next week in another key SEC matchup.
