Heupel – Vols are just getting started after another “special” win over Bama

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A haze of cigar smoke filled the Tennessee interview room — all of Neyland Stadium, for that matter — and former Vols star Alvin Kamara peered through the curtain while husky Josh Heupel did his best to paint what was another memorable third Saturday in October for the Vols.

Tennessee had suffered 15 straight losses to bitter rival Alabama when Heupel became Tennessee's coach in 2021. Now in its fourth season, the Vols have won two of their last three against the Crimson Tide, most recently a 24-17 conquest Tennessee rebounded from a third straight scoreless first half to finally find some explosive plays in the passing game in the second half and relies on a defense that Heupel called both “elite” and “special” after watching that unit hold an opponent under 20 points for the seventh straight game this season.

“When we got here I never talked about it because in the end no one cares. They care about what the scoreboard looks like every week,” Heupel said. “As a program, there were obstacles that we had to face and overcome, and as a coaching staff, administration and our players, we did it in a very special way. Not perfect…and as a program we need to improve on that.” Year.

“But I really feel like we’re just getting started as a program.”

This game wasn't a thriller like the 52-49 contest two years ago in Knoxville that ended with a last-second field goal, but the aftermath was similar. Tennessee fans stormed the field, tore down the goal posts and gleefully smoked victory cigars – a long-standing tradition in a rivalry that dates back to 1901.

Kamara then joined countless former Tennessee players in the locker room to celebrate as the no yards.

In an SEC race that gets crazier by the week, every win is valuable. But even Heupel didn't want to downplay what beating Alabama means to everyone on Rocky Top.

“You are a volunteer for life, those are not just words,” said Heupel. “For it to be the second time (beating Alabama) … this program, when we step on the field, we feel like we're good enough to win every Saturday. Does that matter? Yes, absolutely. You know.” the historic nature of this game, what it means to the fan base and within our walls and in the new landscape of the league.

“The expectation was to go out there and play great football tonight and we did that defensively for 60 minutes. Offensively, we had enough on the right side and had enough special teams.”

Tennessee (6-1, 3-1) has rattled off two straight wins since its loss to Arkansas on Oct. 5, including a 23-17 overtime loss last week at home against Florida.

And while the slump in offense continued to be a problem in the first half, redshirt senior quarterback Nico Iamaleava showed his mettle in the second half after taking some big hits in the first half, having to give up the game for one play and Was unable to make contact with open receivers on several deep balls.

After a shaky first half, Iamaleava threw a 55-yard strike down the right sideline to Dont'e Thornton Jr., setting up a 3-yard touchdown run by Dylan Sampson that put Tennessee up 14 late in the third quarter. 10 took the lead.

After Alabama regained the lead at 17-14, Iamaleava threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to a leaping Chris Brazzell II in the back of the end zone on a third-and-5 play, giving the Vols the lead for good.

Iamaleava, who had an interception in the first half, also did damage with the ball, including a crucial 27-yard rush in the third quarter that led to Tennessee's first touchdown. He said he wouldn't let another lackluster first half from the Vols on offense get him down.

“It’s the next-play mentality,” Iamaleava said. “As coach Heupel preaches, we have to keep fighting, keep being strong for our guys, and I’m glad we did that.”

It wasn't over until Will Brooks, an Alabama native and walk-on, intercepted Jalen Milroe within the final two minutes. Brooks also made a likely touchdown-saving tackle in the first quarter when he brought down Milroe on a third-short play.

Brooks' teammate, linebacker Arion Carter, said it was important for the defense to find a way and “give the offense something to stand on and finish the game.”

Carter then turned to Brooks and praised the redshirt senior's safety.

“Let me say this: This guy is one of the most selfless people you will ever meet on the team, he does his job at an extremely high level and holds everyone accountable,” Carter said. “Just having him by my side and working with each other on the field… I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Tennessee held Alabama (5-2, 2-2) to 75 rushing yards and kept Milroe in check throughout the game. He was intercepted twice and finished the game with 11 rushing yards on 14 carries, including three sacks.

As the Vols' defense continued to crack down on the Tide in the second half, the crowd of 101,915 only grew louder.

“Oh yeah, it’s been rocking, especially the last few rides,” Carter said. “It was so loud (Alabama) couldn’t set up their pass protection. Just being able to have such a screaming crowd and behind you is definitely an amazing feeling, especially the confidence to go out there and dominate.”

Sampson, who now has 17 rushing touchdowns this season, finished the season with 139 yards on 26 carries. He had 127 of those yards in the second half, punishing a tiring Alabama defense.

But at halftime, with the Vols scoreless, Sampson said it was the defense that picked on everyone in the locker room.

“Obviously our defense is there and it gives us confidence,” Sampson said. “We kind of made it difficult for them in the first half, but they play everything no matter who is in the game and you respect that.”

“It lights a fire, and if it doesn’t, something is wrong.”