Alabama Football: 3 Takeaways from win over Tennessee

Alabama football used a 17-point third quarter to defeat the Volunteers. 

Kicker Will Reichert remembers the missed kick in Knoxville last season. Kool-Aid McKinstry remembers Jalin Hyatt’s 207-yard, five-touchdown performance. The defense remembers allowing 52 points last season. Everyone remembers who got to light the cigars after last season’s game.

It would come as a surprise to no one that the Crimson Tide had this game circled. Alabama defended its home turf and defeated the Tennessee Volunteers 34-20 this afternoon at Bryant Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa.

This afternoon was a tale of two halves. The Volunteers jumped on the Crimson Tide early. Tennesee quarterback Joe Milton completed his first nine passes as they jumped out to a 13-0 lead in the fourth quarter. By the time the Crimson Tide got off the mat, they were down 20-7 at halftime.

Whatever head coach Nick Saban said to his team at the half worked. Alabama shut the Volunteers out, scoring 27 unanswered points on their way to the victory. After the first quarter, coach Saban mentioned the need for the offense to get going and the defense to get off the field on third down.

Mission accomplished on both fronts. Here are the offensive and defensive takeaways and what’s next for both teams.