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Tennessee football leveled Alabama rivalry: Reacting to Vols win

Posted on by Kennedy
Tennessee football leveled Alabama rivalry: Reacting to Vols win

Tennessee football beat Alabama, fans stormed the field and the goal posts fell again on a Saturday night in Tennessee.

The No. 10 Vols (5-1, 2-1 SEC) stayed in the hunt for the College Football Playoff, beating No. 7 Alabama 24-17 for their second win over the Crimson Tide (5-1, 2). -1). the last three seasons.

Here are three overreactions after the win:

Tennessee has evened out the rivalry with Alabama

Tennessee has evened the series with Alabama under coach Josh Heupel – both in record and style. It has now won two of its last three games after winning its second straight meeting at Neyland Stadium. This means the series has been 2-2 since Heupel was signed.

It's deeper than the record.

Tennessee can now compete with the Crimson Tide. A win in 2022 was blow for blow. It gave Alabama a run in 2023 before fading in the second half. This season too, things happened in quick succession, albeit in a completely different way.

Yes, Tennessee has only won two of the last 18 meetings. But in the “what have you done for me lately” world, Tennessee is right up there with Alabama.

Nico Iamaleava is the most frustrating quarterback in college football

Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava made one of the better throws you'll see at Neyland Stadium when he launched a 55-yarder en route to Dont'e Thornton. His game-winning touchdown pass to Chris Brazzell II was also exquisite.

However, the redshirt freshman had even more crazy moments. He missed two walk-in touchdowns in the first quarter when he overthrew Chris Brazzell II and then missed Squirrel White up the middle. He missed Bru McCoy in the fourth quarter and again couldn't reach Brazzell.

Iamaleava's talent is enticing. As a quarterback, he has the poise and ability to do anything. But he leaves you scratching your head with some mistakes and missed throws. He can take the UT offense to a new level if he puts his skills together. That looks like a big problem this season.

Jackson Ross' punt was a real eye-catcher

Will Brooks' game-winning interception was big. So did Iamaleava's touchdown pass to Brazzell.

ADAMS: Tennessee football fans enjoy the traditional smell of cigar smoke and destroy Alabama's chances

Jackson Ross' punt midway through the fourth quarter deserves mention. Tennessee had to recall a first down to get a holding penalty and then lost a yard on third-and-5. Heupel elected to punt and Ross dropped a penalty at the Alabama 4-yard line after a delay of game.

Tennessee's defense forced a three-and-out and got the ball back at the 46-yard mark. The Vols drove 54 yards for the game-winning touchdown.

Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @ByMikeWilson. If you like Mike's coverage, consider a digital subscription to access everything.

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