Alabama Crimson Tide Football vs Tennessee Volunteers Football Match Player Stats

The Alabama Crimson Tide Football vs Tennessee Volunteers Football Match Player Stats faced off on October 19, 2024, in one of college football’s most storied rivalries, known as the “Third Saturday in October.” This SEC clash at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville ended with a thrilling 24-17 victory for the No. 11 Tennessee Volunteers over the No. 7 Alabama Crimson Tide. Fans were treated to a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams showcasing grit, talent, and some costly mistakes. In this article, we’ll break down the key player stats, highlight standout performances, and analyze what made this game a memorable chapter in this historic rivalry. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to college football, this easy-to-read guide will give you the full scoop.

Game Overview: A Tale of Two Halves

The 2024 Alabama Crimson Tide Football vs Tennessee Volunteers Football Match Player Stats was a classic SEC battle, with a sluggish first half giving way to an explosive second half. Alabama led 7-0 at halftime, thanks to a strong defensive effort and a touchdown pass from quarterback Jalen Milroe to freshman sensation Ryan Williams. However, Tennessee flipped the script in the second half, outscoring Alabama 24-10, powered by a dominant rushing attack led by Dylan Sampson and a clutch interception by safety Will Brooks. The Volunteers’ ability to capitalize on Alabama’s mistakes, including two interceptions by Milroe, proved to be the difference-maker.

Let’s dive into the player stats and performances that shaped this game, starting with the quarterbacks, then moving to the skill players, and finally the defensive standouts. We’ll also include a handy table summarizing the key stats for quick reference.

Quarterback Performances: Milroe vs Iamaleava

Jalen Milroe (Alabama Crimson Tide)

Jalen Milroe, Alabama’s dynamic dual-threat quarterback, had a mixed performance in Knoxville. He completed 25 of his 45 pass attempts for 239 yards, throwing one touchdown but also two costly interceptions. His first interception came in the first quarter inside Tennessee’s 5-yard line, halting a promising drive, and the second, with just 1:30 left in the game, sealed Alabama’s fate. Milroe’s completion percentage of 55.6% reflects some struggles against Tennessee’s stout pass defense, which ranks among the best in the SEC.

On the ground, Milroe added 14 carries for just 11 yards, averaging a meager 0.8 yards per carry. Tennessee’s defensive front, led by James Pearce Jr., applied consistent pressure, forcing Milroe to scramble and limiting his usual explosiveness as a runner. Despite the turnovers, Milroe showed flashes of brilliance, particularly on a 28-yard pass to Germie Bernard that set up a crucial fourth-quarter touchdown.

Nico Iamaleava (Tennessee Volunteers)

Tennessee’s redshirt freshman quarterback, Nico Iamaleava, also had an up-and-down day but made enough plays to secure the win. He completed 15 of 27 passes for 194 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. His touchdown pass, a 16-yard strike to Chris Brazzell II in the fourth quarter, gave Tennessee a 21-17 lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Iamaleava’s interception came in the second quarter, but he bounced back, showing poise under pressure.

Iamaleava also contributed on the ground, rushing 7 times for 33 yards, including a key 27-yard scramble in the third quarter that set up a touchdown. His ability to extend plays with his legs opened up opportunities for Tennessee’s running game, which proved to be the backbone of their second-half surge.

Running Backs: Sampson Shines, Haynes Steps Up

Dylan Sampson (Tennessee Volunteers)

Tennessee’s running back Dylan Sampson was the star of the game, earning MVP honors for his dominant performance. He carried the ball 25 times for 139 yards, averaging 5.6 yards per carry, and scored two touchdowns. His 36-yard run in the third quarter sparked Tennessee’s comeback, and his 2-yard touchdown run later in the quarter tied the game at 7-7. Sampson’s second touchdown, a 3-yard run following a 55-yard pass to Dont’e Thornton Jr., gave Tennessee a 14-10 lead.

Sampson’s physicality and vision were key against an Alabama defense that ranks 30th in the FBS in rushing defense, allowing 3.33 yards per carry. His ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact kept Tennessee’s offense moving, especially in the second half when they racked up 170 rushing yards.

Justice Haynes (Alabama Crimson Tide)

For Alabama, running back Justice Haynes was a bright spot in a tough loss. He carried the ball 11 times for 36 yards, including a 7-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter that briefly gave Alabama a 17-14 lead. Haynes also caught 3 passes for 26 yards, showing his versatility. While Alabama’s rushing attack struggled overall, averaging just 2.2 yards per carry as a team, Haynes provided a spark with his quick cuts and ability to fight for extra yards.

Wide Receivers: Williams and Brazzell Make Big Plays

Ryan Williams (Alabama Crimson Tide)

Freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams continued to prove why he’s one of the most exciting young talents in college football. He caught 8 passes for 77 yards, including a 5-yard touchdown in the second quarter that gave Alabama a 7-0 lead. Williams’ ability to get open and make contested catches was evident, though Tennessee’s secondary limited his big-play opportunities.

Chris Brazzell II (Tennessee Volunteers)

On the Tennessee side, Chris Brazzell II delivered the game’s defining moment with a diving 16-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter. He finished with 3 receptions for 37 yards, but his clutch performance under pressure was critical. Dont’e Thornton Jr. also made a significant impact, hauling in a 55-yard pass that set up Sampson’s second touchdown. Thornton finished with 2 catches for 63 yards.

Defensive Standouts: Turnovers Tell the Story

Tennessee’s Defense

Tennessee’s defense was the backbone of their victory, forcing three turnovers and holding Alabama to just 314 total yards. Safety Will Brooks sealed the game with a clutch interception of Milroe with 1:28 remaining. Cornerback Jermod McCoy also had a big play, intercepting Milroe in the end zone in the first quarter and returning it 54 yards. Linebacker James Pearce Jr. was disruptive, recording a sack and pressuring Milroe throughout the game.

The Volunteers’ defense excelled in the second half, limiting Alabama to 3-of-14 third-down conversions and forcing two three-and-outs in the fourth quarter. Their ability to stop Alabama’s run game (75 yards on 34 carries) and pressure Milroe into mistakes was pivotal.

Alabama’s Defense

Alabama’s defense started strong, forcing three turnovers in the first half, including a fumble recovery by Jihaad Campbell and an interception by Jaylen Mbakwe. However, they couldn’t sustain their dominance in the second half, as Tennessee’s rushing attack gashed them for 214 yards. Linebacker Jihaad Campbell led Alabama with 8 tackles, while the secondary struggled to contain Iamaleava’s deep passes late in the game.

Kicking Game: Missed Opportunities

Max Gilbert (Tennessee Volunteers)

Tennessee kicker Max Gilbert had a mixed day, missing two field goals (50 and 53 yards) but nailing a crucial 41-yard field goal with 1:35 left to extend Tennessee’s lead to 24-17. His ability to deliver in the clutch was a game-changer.

Graham Nicholson (Alabama Crimson Tide)

Alabama’s Graham Nicholson also struggled, missing a 54-yard field goal attempt in the second quarter but connecting on a 35-yard kick in the third to give Alabama a 10-7 lead. The missed opportunities in the kicking game hurt Alabama, as they failed to capitalize on multiple red-zone trips.

Key Team Alabama Crimson Tide Football vs Tennessee Volunteers Football Match Player Stats Comparison

Here’s a quick look at how the teams stacked up statistically:

Game-Changing Moments

1. First Quarter Turnovers: Both teams struggled with ball security early, with Tennessee’s Dylan Sampson fumbling in the red zone and Alabama’s Jalen Milroe throwing an interception in the end zone. These miscues kept the score at 0-0 until the second quarter.

2. Alabama’s Early Lead: Milroe’s 5-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Williams gave Alabama a 7-0 lead in the second quarter, capitalizing on a strong defensive stand.

3. Tennessee’s Third-Quarter Surge: Sampson’s 36-yard run and 2-yard touchdown, followed by a 55-yard pass to Thornton and another Sampson touchdown, gave Tennessee a 14-10 lead.

4. Brazzell’s Clutch Catch: Chris Brazzell II’s diving 16-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter put Tennessee ahead 21-17, a lead they wouldn’t lose.

5. Brooks’ Game-Sealing Interception: With Alabama driving for a potential game-tying score, Will Brooks’ interception of Milroe with 1:28 left secured Tennessee’s victory.

Why Tennessee Won

Tennessee’s victory came down to three key factors:

1. Second-Half Adjustments: After a stagnant first half, Tennessee’s offense found its rhythm, leaning on Sampson’s running and Iamaleava’s timely passes. They outgained Alabama 265-158 in the second half, with 170 rushing yards.

2. Defensive Pressure: Tennessee’s defense forced Milroe into two interceptions and limited Alabama’s rushing attack, making it difficult for the Crimson Tide to sustain drives.

3. Fewer Mistakes: While both teams turned the ball over, Tennessee overcame their three turnovers by capitalizing on Alabama’s penalties (15 for 115 yards) and poor third-down conversion rate (3/14).

Why Alabama Lost

Alabama’s loss can be attributed to:

1. Turnovers in Critical Moments: Milroe’s two interceptions, especially the one in the red zone and the game-sealing pick, were costly.

2. Struggles on the Ground: Alabama’s 75 rushing yards on 34 carries (2.2 yards per carry) limited their offensive balance, forcing Milroe to rely heavily on passing.

3. Penalties: The Crimson Tide’s 15 penalties for 115 yards, including an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Kendrick Law in the fourth quarter, derailed key drives.

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 statement victory, boosting their chances for a College Football Playoff berth and keeping them in the SEC Championship race. Dylan Sampson’s emergence as a star running back and the defense’s ability to step up in big moments make the Volunteers a dangerous team moving forward.

For Alabama (5-2, 2-2 SEC), the loss was a significant setback in their pursuit of an SEC title and a playoff spot. With two losses in their last three games, first-year coach Kalen DeBoer faces increasing pressure to right the ship. The Crimson Tide will need to clean up their penalties and improve their run game to compete with the SEC’s elite.

Alabama Crimson Tide Football vs Tennessee Volunteers Football Match Player Stats Historical Context: The Third Saturday in October

The Alabama-Tennessee rivalry, dubbed the “Third Saturday in October,” dates back to 1901, with Alabama leading the series 59-40-8. Tennessee’s 24-17 win in 2024 was their second victory over Alabama in the last three years, a rare feat given Alabama’s dominance in the series (nine wins in the last 10 matchups prior to 2022). The game’s intensity, fueled by the raucous Neyland Stadium crowd and the tradition of cigars and “Dixieland Delight,” continues to make this one of college football’s premier rivalries.

Alabama Crimson Tide Football vs Tennessee Volunteers Football Match Player Stats Table

Here’s a detailed table of the key player stats from the game:

Conclusion: A Alabama Crimson Tide Football vs Tennessee Volunteers Football Match Player Stats Rivalry for the Ages

The 2024 Alabama Crimson Tide Football vs Tennessee Volunteers Football Match Player Stats was a thrilling chapter in one of college football’s greatest rivalries. Tennessee’s second-half surge, led by Dylan Sampson’s rushing and Will Brooks’ game-sealing interception, proved too much for Alabama, who struggled with turnovers and penalties. The player stats tell the story of a game decided by small margins and big moments, with both teams showcasing future NFL talent.