By Kennington Smith III, Joe Rexrode and David Ubben
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — No. 11 Tennessee earned a statement 24-17 win on Saturday against No. 7 Alabama, dealing another blow to its rival’s College Football Playoff hopes in the Crimson Tide’s first season under Kalen DeBoer.
After a stagnant first half on both sides, Tennessee came alive offensively in the second half, including a 16-yard touchdown pass from Nico Iamaleava to Chris Brazzell II in the back of the end zone with 5:52 left to put the Vols ahead by four.