SEC Power Rankings, Week 11: Alabama back on top with big win vs LSU

Nov 7, 2015; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Alvin Kamara (6) runs for a touchdown against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports. Tennessee won 27 to 24.

The Tennessee Vols squandered two-touchdown leads in three of their four losses this season, and held a lead in the fourth quarter in all four defeats. After taking an early 17-0 lead against South Carolina Saturday night in Knoxville, and seeing that lead evaporate in the second half, Vols fans likely braced themselves for the worst.

However, a 27-yard Aaron Medley field goal early in the fourth quarter and a fumble recovery by Jalen Reeves-Maybin with 32 seconds left on the clock sealed the victory. It wasn’t pretty, but a win is a win, and now Tennessee has a winning record and is one win away from being bowl eligible for the second straight season.

“I’m never going to apologize for winning,” Tennessee head coach Butch Jones said afterwards, according to the Associated Press. “This is a hard-fought game. We’re playing a good football team. I give South Carolina all the credit in the world. … They’re going to have success. We’re still building. I’m proud of our players. I’m proud of our program. We need to start being positive around here.”

Quarterback Joshua Dobbs had a positive game, and completed 20 of 24 passes for 255 yards, two touchdowns an an interceptions. Von Pearson was on the receiving end on one of those TD passes, and recorded 121 receiving yards on eight grabs. Dobbs added 35 rushing yards on 13 carries, including two sacks.

Running back Jalen Hurd led the Vols with 90 rushing yards and Alvin Kamara gained 30 yards, including a four-yard touchdown, a 23-yarder. Kamara also scored on an 11-yard TD reception.

Next Game: Saturday November 15 vs. North Texas

Next: Arkansas