E27 S1 Rewind Relook at Bama loss to UT lessons learned issues exposed

In the 2024 football season, the Tennessee Volunteers (ranked #11) defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide (ranked #7) with a score of 24-17 on October 19th at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Here's a recap of the game:

• First Half: The first half was a low-scoring affair, with Alabama holding a 7-0 lead at halftime. Despite forcing three turnovers from Tennessee, Alabama was unable to fully capitalize on scoring opportunities, including a missed field goal and an interception.
• Second Half: Tennessee's offense came alive in the second half, outscoring Alabama 24-10.

• Third Quarter: The Volunteers scored their first points with a rushing touchdown to tie the game at 7-7. Alabama responded with a field goal to retake the lead 10-7. Tennessee then countered with a touchdown drive, highlighted by a 55-yard pass, to take their first lead of the game at 14-10.

• Fourth Quarter: Alabama quickly responded with a rushing touchdown to regain the lead, 17-14. Tennessee then re-asserted itself and scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 16-yard pass from Nico Iamaleava. Tennessee extended their lead with a 41-yard field goal, making the score 24-17 with less than two minutes to go in the game.

• Game-sealing play: With only 1 minute and 28 seconds left in the game, Tennessee safety Will Brooks intercepted Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, securing the victory for the Volunteers.
• Key Performers:

• Tennessee's Nico Iamaleava overcame early struggles including throwing an INT and led the offense in the second half.

• Tennessee's Dylan Sampson scored two touchdowns.

• Tennessee's Will Brooks had the game-clinching interception.

• Alabama's Jalen Milroe finished with one touchdown pass, but also threw two interceptions and struggled on key passing downs to make completions as the Bama offense struggled to move the ball particularly in the 2nd half.

• Alabama's Justice Haynes had a touchdown run and also contributed in the passing game.

This victory marked a significant moment for Tennessee, giving Alabama its second loss of the season before November for the first time since 2007.

• Tennessee's Second Half Scoring Surge: After trailing 7-0 at halftime, the Volunteers erupted in the second half, scoring all 24 of their points while hold Bama to just 10 points in the 2nd half.
• Iamaleava's Touchdown Pass: Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava connected with Chris Brazzell II for a 16-yard diving touchdown catch, putting Tennessee up 21-17 in the fourth quarter.
• Game-Sealing Interception: With Alabama driving and attempting a comeback, Tennessee safety Will Brooks intercepted a Jalen Milroe pass with 1:28 left in the game, securing the victory for Tennessee.
• Dylan Sampson's Contributions: Dylan Sampson scored two touchdowns for Tennessee, including a key touchdown in the third quarter that tied the game at 7-7.
• Alabama's Efforts: Alabama responded to Tennessee's scoring with a field goal and a touchdown run by Justice Haynes to briefly retake the lead.
• Max Gilbert's Field Goal: Tennessee extended its lead to seven points with a 41-yard field goal by Max Gilbert late in the fourth quarter