A big fourth quarter propelled Alabama to victory over Tennessee Saturday night at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa.
The Volunteers were in striking distance early in the fourth quarter, but Alabama scored three unanswered touchdowns and cruised to a 52-24 Southeastern Conference victory.
Tennessee (4-4, 2-3 SEC) has not defeated the Crimson Tide (7-1, 4-1 SEC) since 2006.
The Vols, who opened an early lead, but trailed 21-14 at halftime, pulled to within 31-24 with 14 minutes, 50 seconds remaining in the game when quarterback Hendon Hooker connected with Cedric Tillman on a 70-yard scoring strike.
From there, however, the Crimson Tide would take control as Brian Robinson Jr. scored a pair of rushing touchdowns in the final frame.
Alabama quarterback Bryce Young scored on a 6-yard run and had a 19-yard touchdown pass to John Metchie over the final 15 minutes to account for the final margin.
The Vols would fall behind early as Robinson Jr.’s 8-yard touchdown gave the Crimson Tide a 7-0 lead with 8:05 left in the first quarter.
UT would answer a short time later when Hooker, who had three touchdown passes against Alabama, connected with Velus Jones Jr.
The Vols took the lead when JaVonta Payton caught a 57-yard scoring strike from Hooker, who finished 19-of-28 for 282 yards and three scores. He also had an interception in the fourth quarter.
The Crimson Tide pulled even in the second quarter on a 5-yard touchdown dash by Young.
Alabama scored the go-ahead touchdown when Young connected with Metchie with 2:34 remaining before halftime.
In the third quarter, the Vols and Crimson Tide exchanged field goals.
Chase McGrath’s 32-yard field goal came after UT blocked a punt and made it 21-17 at the 9:44 mark of the third stanza.
Will Reichard had a 45-yarder with 6:22 to go and gave the Crimson Tide the 24-17 lead they enjoyed going into the final frame.
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