Alabama Overpowers Tennessee 37–20 in Rivalry Clash

In a high-stakes SEC showdown on October 18, the Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Tennessee Volunteers 37–20 at Bryant-Denny Stadium, extending their home winning streak against the Vols to 22 years. The game, part of the storied "Third Saturday in October" rivalry, featured explosive plays, costly mistakes, and a momentum-shifting interception that stunned Tennessee fans.

Game-Changing Moments

• Zabien Brown's 99-yard pick-six: With Tennessee threatening at the goal line late in the first half, quarterback Joey Aguilar was intercepted by Alabama's Zabien Brown, who returned it the length of the field for a touchdown. The play gave Alabama a 23–7 lead at halftime and proved to be the turning point.

• DeSean Bishop's breakout: Tennessee's running back rushed for 123 yards and two touchdowns, including a 44-yard sprint that briefly narrowed the gap to 23–13 in the third quarter.

• Ty Simpson's steady hand: Alabama's quarterback threw for 253 yards and two touchdowns, including a late strike to Rico Scott that helped seal the win.

* Wide Receiver Ryan Williams had 5 receptions for 87 yards, averaging 17.4 yards per catch

Alabama had 373 yards of total offense to Tennessee's 410 and each team turned the ball over just once, but Brown's int for a touchdown - right when Tennessee was on the verge of scoring (along with the first half safety) were the two plays that Tennessee just could never recover from.

Rivalry and Implications

This marks Alabama's fourth straight win over a ranked opponent and keeps them undefeated in SEC play. Tennessee, now 5–2, will need to regroup as defensive lapses and penalties continue to haunt their season.

Alabama’s next football game is set for Saturday, October 25, 2025, when the Crimson Tide travel to Columbia to face the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Central Time, and the matchup marks a key SEC road test as Alabama looks to remain undefeated in conference play. With momentum from their recent win over Tennessee, the Tide will aim to continue their dominance while South Carolina seeks a signature upset in front of a home crowd.