Every year, college football fans circle one game on their calendars: the Alabama Crimson Tide Football vs Tennessee Volunteers Football Match Player Stats. Known as the “Third Saturday in October,” this rivalry is one of the most storied in college football. On October 19, 2024, these two SEC powerhouses clashed at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, delivering a thrilling game that ended with the No. 11 Volunteers upsetting the No. 7 Crimson Tide 24-17. Let’s break down the game, highlight the key players, and dive into the stats that shaped this epic showdown. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to college football, this article will walk you through the action in a way that’s easy to follow and fun to read.
A Alabama Crimson Tide Football vs Tennessee Volunteers Football Match Player Stats Rivalry Steeped in Tradition
The Alabama Crimson Tide Football vs Tennessee Volunteers Football Match Player Stats rivalry dates back to 1901, with Alabama holding a 59-40-8 edge in the all-time series. Tennessee, however, has been a thorn in Alabama’s side, boasting more wins against the Crimson Tide than any other program in college football. The 2024 matchup was no exception, with the Volunteers pulling off a gritty win in front of a raucous home crowd. The game was a seesaw battle, with both teams struggling early before exploding in the second half. Let’s look at how the players performed and what the stats tell us about this classic.
Game Recap: A Tale of Two Halves
The first half was a defensive slugfest. Both teams’ offenses sputtered, with turnovers and missed field goals keeping the score low. Alabama struck first when quarterback Jalen Milroe connected with freshman sensation Ryan Williams for a 5-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter, giving the Crimson Tide a 7-0 lead at halftime. Tennessee’s offense, led by quarterback Nico Iamaleava, struggled to find rhythm, turning the ball over three times, including a fumble by running back Dylan Sampson and two interceptions.
The second half was a different story. Tennessee came out firing, with Sampson redeeming his earlier fumble by rushing for two touchdowns in the third quarter. The Volunteers’ defense, one of the best in the SEC, tightened up and forced Alabama into costly mistakes. A critical moment came in the fourth quarter when Iamaleava threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to Chris Brazzell II, giving Tennessee a 21-17 lead. Alabama had a chance to respond, but an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on receiver Kendrick Law pushed them into a fourth-and-22 situation, which they couldn’t convert. Tennessee sealed the game with a 41-yard field goal by Max Gilbert and a game-clinching interception by Will Brooks.
Key Players Who Shined
Tennessee Volunteers
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Dylan Sampson (Running Back): Sampson was the heart of Tennessee’s offense, rushing for 139 yards on 25 carries and scoring two touchdowns. His 36-yard run in the third quarter sparked the Volunteers’ comeback.
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Nico Iamaleava (Quarterback): Despite a shaky first half, Iamaleava settled down, finishing with 194 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception. His 55-yard pass to Dont’e Thornton Jr. set up a crucial score.
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Chris Brazzell II (Wide Receiver): Brazzell’s diving 16-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter was the game-changer, putting Tennessee ahead for good.
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Will Brooks (Defensive Back): Brooks’ interception of Milroe with 1:24 left sealed the victory for Tennessee.
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Max Gilbert (Kicker): Gilbert’s 41-yard field goal with 1:30 remaining extended Tennessee’s lead to seven, making Alabama’s comeback nearly impossible.
Alabama Crimson Tide
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Jalen Milroe (Quarterback): Milroe had a tough day, completing 25 of 45 passes for 239 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. He also rushed for 11 yards but struggled under pressure.
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Ryan Williams (Wide Receiver): The freshman phenom caught eight passes for 68 yards, including a 5-yard touchdown that gave Alabama an early lead.
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Justice Haynes (Running Back): Haynes ran for 74 yards on 14 carries, including a 7-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter that briefly put Alabama ahead 17-14.
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Germie Bernard (Wide Receiver): Bernard contributed 65 yards on four receptions, including a 28-yard catch that set up Haynes’ touchdown.
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Graham Nicholson (Kicker): Nicholson made a 35-yard field goal in the third quarter, but a missed 54-yard attempt in the second quarter was costly.
The Alabama Crimson Tide Football vs Tennessee Volunteers Football Match Player Stats That Tell the Story
To understand what happened in this game, let’s dive into the numbers. The table below breaks down the key player stats for both teams, focusing on passing, rushing, receiving, and defensive contributions. These stats come from sources like ESPN, USA TODAY, and Sportskeeda, ensuring accuracy and clarity.
|
Player |
Team |
Position |
Passing Yards |
Pass Completions/Attempts |
Passing TDs |
Interceptions |
Rushing Yards |
Rushing TDs |
Receiving Yards |
Receiving TDs |
Tackles |
Sacks |
Interceptions (Defensive) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Jalen Milroe |
Alabama |
QB |
239 | 25/45 | 1 | 2 | 11 | 0 | – | – | – | – | – |
|
Nico Iamaleava |
Tennessee |
QB |
194 | 14/28 | 1 | 1 | 27 | 0 | – | – | – | – | – |
|
Dylan Sampson |
Tennessee |
RB |
– | – | – | – | 139 | 2 | – | – | – | – | – |
|
Justice Haynes |
Alabama |
RB |
– | – |
Team Alabama Crimson Tide Football vs Tennessee Volunteers Football Match Player Stats Comparison
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Total Yards: Tennessee 408, Alabama 314
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Rushing Yards: Tennessee 214, Alabama 75
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Passing Yards: Alabama 239, Tennessee 194
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First Downs: Alabama 23, Tennessee 21
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Third-Down Conversions: Tennessee 6/14 (42.9%), Alabama 3/14 (21.4%)
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Turnovers: Tennessee 3 (2 INT, 1 fumble), Alabama 2 (2 INT)
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Penalties: Alabama 15 for 115 yards, Tennessee 8 for 60 yards
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Time of Possession: Alabama 33:10, Tennessee 26:50
What the Stats Mean
The numbers paint a clear picture of why Tennessee won. Their rushing attack, led by Sampson, overwhelmed Alabama’s defense, which ranks 30th nationally in rushing defense (3.33 yards per carry allowed). Tennessee’s 214 rushing yards, including big runs by Sampson and Iamaleava, kept Alabama’s defense on its heels. Meanwhile, Alabama’s offense struggled to sustain drives, converting only 3 of 14 third downs. Milroe’s two interceptions, especially the late one to Brooks, were backbreakers.
Alabama’s 15 penalties for 115 yards were a major factor. The unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Kendrick Law in the fourth quarter turned a manageable third-and-one into a fourth-and-22, effectively ending Alabama’s comeback hopes. Tennessee, despite three turnovers, capitalized on Alabama’s mistakes and played a cleaner game in the second half.
Standout Moments
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Sampson’s Redemption: After fumbling in the red zone in the first quarter, Sampson bounced back with a 36-yard run and a 2-yard touchdown in the third quarter, tying the game at 7-7.
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Brazzell’s Heroics: His diving catch for the go-ahead touchdown showcased Tennessee’s ability to make big plays when it mattered most.
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Milroe’s Struggles: Alabama’s quarterback faced constant pressure from Tennessee’s defense, which ranks second nationally in total defense (4.04 yards per play). His two interceptions were uncharacteristic for a player known for his dual-threat ability.
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Brooks’ Game-Sealer: The interception with 1:24 left sent Neyland Stadium into a frenzy, with fans storming the field and tearing down the goalposts.
What This Means for Alabama Crimson Tide Football vs Tennessee Volunteers Football Match Player Stats Both Teams
For Tennessee (6-1, 3-1 SEC), the win was a massive boost. It solidified their place in the SEC race and kept their College Football Playoff hopes alive. Dylan Sampson emerged as a star, and the defense proved it could handle a high-powered offense like Alabama’s. The Volunteers’ ability to rally in the second half showed resilience, especially after their earlier loss to Arkansas.
For Alabama (5-2, 2-2 SEC), the loss was a gut punch. Under first-year coach Kalen DeBoer, the Crimson Tide have now lost two of their last three games, including a stunner to Vanderbilt. With a tough schedule ahead, including matchups against LSU and Oklahoma, Alabama’s path to the SEC Championship and the 12-team College Football Playoff is in jeopardy. Milroe and the offense need to clean up their mistakes, and the defense must find a way to stop the run.
Why This Game Matters
The Alabama Crimson Tide Football vs Tennessee Volunteers Football Match Player Stats rivalry is more than just a game—it’s a cultural event. Fans on both sides live for this matchup, and the 2024 edition delivered drama, big plays, and a thrilling finish. For Tennessee fans, the victory was a chance to celebrate a rare home win over their rivals, complete with cigars and toppled goalposts. For Alabama, it was a reminder that the SEC is a gauntlet, and even a team with their talent can’t afford to make mistakes.
Looking Ahead
Tennessee will look to build on this momentum as they chase an SEC title and a playoff berth. Their next big test will come against top teams like Georgia or Texas A&M. For Alabama, the focus is on regrouping. DeBoer, who took Washington to the national championship game in 2023, knows how to navigate tough seasons, but the pressure is on to turn things around in Tuscaloosa.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 Alabama Crimson Tide Football vs Tennessee Volunteers Football Match Player Stats was a classic chapter in one of college football’s greatest rivalries. Tennessee’s balanced attack and stout defense outlasted Alabama’s explosive but error-prone offense. Players like Dylan Sampson and Will Brooks became heroes for the Volunteers, while Jalen Milroe and Ryan Williams showed flashes of brilliance for the Crimson Tide despite the loss. The stats tell the story of a game won in the trenches and decided by critical mistakes. Whether you’re a Vol or a Tide fan, this game was a reminder of why we love college football: heart, passion, and moments that live on forever.
