Alabama Football: 3 takeaways from thrilling road loss to Volunteers

The #3 Alabama Crimson Tide suffered its first loss of the season to the #6 Tennessee Volunteers 52-49 in an absolute thriller in Neyland Stadium.

In what can only be described as the game of the year, the #6 Tennessee Volunteers upset the #3 Alabama Crimson Tide at home this afternoon. The Volunteers defeat the Crimson Tide for the first time since 2006, ending a 15-game losing streak to the Tide. Quarterback Hendon Hooker led the Volunteers, throwing for 385 yards and five touchdowns.

Hooker’s counterpart, Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young also played well, throwing for 455 yards and two touchdowns of his own. One of the stories of the game was Volunteers receiver Jalin Hyatt who set the single-game record for receiving touchdowns with five. Hyatt ended the game with 207 receiving yards on six receptions.

The Volunteers got off to a white-hot start, jumping out to a 21-7 lead after the first quarter. The Crimson Tide clawed back into the game down by eight points at halftime. Alabama tied the game early in the third quarter, but the Volunteers answered, regaining the lead 34-28. When Alabama scored to take a one-point lead, it became evident that this would come down to who had the ball last.

Alabama returned a fumble for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter but could not stop Hooker and the Volunteers. The Vols tied the game, and after Alabama missed a field goal, the Volunteers had the last possession and kicked the game-winning touchdown.

Here are three takeaways from what could be the game of the year.