The Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers played a game Saturday worthy of their top-ten rankings. The Volunteers won the game, their first victory over the Crimson Tide in 16 years, on a last-second field goal from kicker Chase McGrath.
The game had a little bit of everything, with the Volunteers storming to a 21-7 lead after the first quarter. The Crimson Tide responded with 28 points over the next two quarters to lead 35-34 after three quarters.
The fourth quarter featured five touchdowns, an interception, a player vomiting on the field, and a missed game-winning 50-yard field goal from Alabama kicker Will Reichard.
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Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker took the ball over on his team’s 32-yard line with 15 seconds left in the game. He promptly threw an 18-yard dart to wide receiver Ramel Keyton for a first down.
On the next play, Hooker found wide receiver Bru McCoy for 27 yards to the Alabama 23-yard line.
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Alabama head coach Nick Saban attempted to ice McGrath’s by using his last timeout before the kick. McGrath responded with a knuckleball down the middle of the uprights for the win.
The win was huge for Tennessee’s coach, too:
“Tennessee coach Josh Heupel collects a $100,000 bonus, plus victory over Alabama, as FG as time expires gives Vols their 6th win of the season and makes them eligible for a bowl game,” Steve Berkowitz wrote.
The CFB world was quick to react to the instant classic:
“The last of Neyland Stadium’s goalposts sinks into a sea of orange,” Josh Pate wrote.
“Also, playing Dixieland Delight, a song about truck sex that takes place in Tennessee that is beloved by Alabama fans, is an especially salty touch,” Andy Staples wrote.
“What an absolute pleasure it was to watch that Alabama–Tennessee game. Tennessee should be ranked no. 1 in the polls tomorrow,” Chris Bonanno wrote.
“52 points to Tennessee were the most allowed by Alabama in a single game against any opponent since 1907. Third-most ever,” Adam Silverstein said.
“My son was year old the last time Tennessee beat Alabama. He graduates high school this year. Absolutely the most satisfying win I’ve ever experienced as a Vol fan. One for the ages,” wrote Scott Morefield.
Tennessee gets back in action next Saturday when they host the Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks. Alabama hosts Mississippi State.
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