Alabama 58 Tennessee 21 - Rocky Top Report

Photo Credit: Maury Neipris/Tennessee Athletics

Tennessee lost to No. 1 Alabama by a score of 58-21 on Saturday afternoon. The game's outcome was not as close as I had anticipated, but there are still some positive takeaways from the loss. I will discuss these after recounting how the game transpired.

Alabama marched down the field for a 58-yard scoring drive to start the game. Jarrett Guarantano was under immense pressure early on. On the Vols' third play, Guarantano was sacked, fumbling the ball, which was recovered by Alabama at the Tennessee 3-yard line. Alabama punched it in to take a 14-0 lead with with 10:35 remaining in the first quarter. After a Tennessee 3-and-out, the Crimson Tide scored on their next play, a 77-yard touchdown pass. Alabama took a 28-0 lead after executing a 9-play, 93-yard drive in just 2:44. Tennessee's defense forced Alabama into back-to-back 3-and-outs. Then, Tennessee got on the board. Guarantano completed a 30-yard pass to Josh Palmer, who held on to the ball as his head hit the ground. Guarantano was hit hard as he passed the ball. Both players were shaken up and Guarantano did not return to the game.

Keller Chryst took over at quarterback for the Vols. On his second play of action, he completed a 26 yard pass to Ty Chandler, before throwing a strike to Chandler on the ensuing play, for a 10-yard touchdown. Alabama answered with a touchdown of their own. Chryst got Vol fans excited on the Vols' next scoring drive. He found Jauan Jennings for a pickup of 23 yards and then for a 40-yard gain on the very next play. Jennings fumbled the ball at the end of this play, but somehow outfought several Alabama defenders for it. Jennings nearly caught a touchdown on the next play, but on second down, Chryst found Tyler Byrd for a 20-yard touchdown. Alabama scored again and led 42-14 at halftime.

The start of the second half was horrendous for Tennessee. A new rule states that a player can call a fair catch on a kickoff, even if they are outside of the end zone. Chandler accidentally called for a fair catch after he caught the kickoff and was called for an illegal fair catch. The Vols began at their own 3-yard line. On the first play, Chryst stumbled and fell in the end zone for a safety. In addition, Jeremy Banks was called for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, which frankly should not have been called. Alabama led 51-14 after scoring another touchdown. Later, Brent Cimaglia missed a 41-yard field goal. Jalen Hurts entered the game at quarterback for Alabama and threw an interception on his first pass attempt. Kyle Phillips caught the ball and broke tackles for a 27-yard pick-6. Alabama's 21-yard touchdown run by Hurts with 1:03 left in the third quarter was the last score of the game. The final score was 58-21.

Tim Jordan carried the ball 14 times for 50 yards. Jauan Jennings caught 6 passes for 102 yards. Ty Chandler recorded 39 receiving yards and a touchdown on 3 receptions, while Josh Palmer hauled in 1 pass for 30 yards. Additionally, Brandon Johnson's lone catch went for 27 yards and Tyler Byrd's one catch was a 20-yard touchdown. On the defensive side, Nigel Warrior totaled 8 tackles (5 solo). Daniel Bituli and Quart'e Sapp also had 8 tackles each. Baylen Buchanan posted 7 tackles. Finally, Theo Jackson, Will Ignont and Emmit Gooden each recorded 5 tackles.

5 Takeaways

1. Alabama is the No. 1 team in the nation for a reason: In every game, there are things that are controllable and things that are uncontrollable. Tennessee was simply overpowered in this game and Alabama causes the uncontrollables to be put in the spotlight. That is to be expected against the nation's top team. A very poor start to the game did not put the Vols in a positive situation. This is a game where fans must realize that Alabama is doing this to everyone they play. At this point in Pruitt's tenure, Tennessee should not be ashamed of their performance.

2. Keller Chryst played well: After Guarantano exited the game with an injury, Chryst played very well. He completed 9-15 passes for 164 yards and 2 touchdowns. I still believe that Guarantano is the right quarterback for Tennessee. Jarrett threw for 63 yards on 5-10 passing, as he was under relentless pressure. If healthy, I expect that Guarantano will start at quarterback next week against South Carolina. Still, if he is unable to suit up, I am comfortable with Chryst and expect him to be able to lead the team exceptionally well.

3. Jauan Jennings is a dog: There's a reason why people refer to Jauan as "a dog." He had 6 catches for 102 yards on Saturday and fought hard for every yard. He is the type of guy that is reliable and finds success on nearly every play. On his 40-yard reception, he fumbled and 4 Alabama defenders immediately fell on him. At one point, he had one arm in the pile while his other hand was on the ground, holding himself up. He used utter strength to come up with the ball. Honestly, I am still bewildered that he actually retained possession. He. Is. A. Dog.

4. This is just a part of rebuilding: I know. Vol fans have heard this way too many times. Still, games such as these are just a part of the rebuilding process. Tennessee has been constantly "rebuilding" for a decade. I have said this about past coaches, but I believe that Pruitt will actually have a successful "rebuild" Not only will he have a successful rebuild, but it should not be an extensive one, as it took him just 6 games to win his first road game against a ranked opponent. I hate rebuilding as much as anyone, but with Pruitt and Phillip Fulmer, the program is finally headed in the right direction.

5. Looking ahead to South Carolina: I am already excited about next week's road matchup with South Carolina. Tennessee will have moved on from Saturday's loss to Alabama and be focused to play as they did at Auburn. Alontae Taylor will be back, after being ejected against Alabama. Also, Daniel Bituli will be able to play in the whole game. Speaking of which, Bituli totaled 8 tackles (5 solo), including 0.5 TFL, despite missing the first half due to his targeting penalty late in the win over Auburn. Also, after winning the SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week award, Kyle Phillips recorded a pick-6 in the third quarter. The Vols will regroup this week and be ready to play in a primetime matchup next week.