No. 1 Alabama Football Crushes No. 9 Tennessee 49-10
By David Wasson
There are few things sweeter in the world for Crimson Tide fans than singing “Rammer Jammer” in a near-empty Neyland Stadium.
On Saturday afternoon, top-ranked Alabama Football heard that tune cascade down from the rapidly emptying stadium for the fifth time in a row alongside the Tennessee River and the 10th straight time on the Third Saturday in October.
Jalen Hurts and Bo Scarbrough each rushed for over 100 yards and Alabama again got points from its defense and special teams in a 49-10 blowout of No. 9 Tennessee.
Alabama (7-0, 4-0 SEC) earned its 19th straight victory overall and its 10th consecutive win in this annual series. Tennessee (5-2, 2-2) has lost its last 13 games against Southeastern Conference Western Division schools.
It was the most lopsided victory by either team in this rivalry since a 51-0 Alabama victory in 1906.
Hurts, the Crimson Tide’s freshman quarterback, ran for 132 yards and three touchdowns as Alabama Football outrushed Tennessee 438-32. Scarborough rushed for 109 yards on just five carries, including an 85-yard touchdown.
Alabama posted its highest single-game rushing total since running for 457 yards in a 56-28 victory over Tennessee in 1986.
The Tide also scored on Ronnie Williams’ 58-yard interception return and Eddie Jackson’s 79-yard punt return. Alabama has 11 non-offensive touchdowns this season, including eight from its defense. The Tide entered the day leading all Football Bowl Subdivision teams in both categories.
Tennessee had erased double-digit deficits in five of its first six games — including a 45-38 loss at Texas A&M last week in which it forced overtime after trailing 28-7 — but the Volunteers couldn’t deliver a similar comeback this time.
Too Good vs. Too Hurt
Tennessee was playing a ranked opponent for the fourth straight week, a stretch that has taken a physical toll.
Injuries decimated the Vols’ defense to such an extent that linebacker Elliott Berry, cornerback Baylen Buchanan and defensive tackle Kahlil McKenzie made their first career starts. McKenzie left in the first quarter after he appeared to hurt his shoulder.
On offense, injuries sidelined guard Jashon Robertson and center Dylan Wiesman for the entire game and knocked out Brett Kendrick in the first quarter. The only starting lineman from last week’s loss to Texas A&M who played the majority of Saturday’s game was right guard Jack Jones.
This game showcased the versatility of Alabama’s rushing attack as the Tide threatened to have three 100-yard rushers in one game. Damien Harris rushed for 94 yards on 14 carries.
Alabama’s defense arguably was even more impressive as it suffocated a Tennessee offense that had gained 684 yards against Texas A&M one week earlier.
Next: Alabama-Tennessee Postgame Notes
In its third straight game against a ranked team, Alabama hosts No. 6 Texas A&M next Saturday. The game kicks off at 2:30 pm CT and will be broadcast nationally on CBS.