After Alabama completed its victory over Tennessee on Saturday, Nick Saban was quick to acknowledge a group of people that was by the teams’ side the entire game.

Saban said he wanted to thank the Crimson Tide fans for keeping the team motivated against the Volunteers, even when the team faced a deficit at the half.

“I know how much this game means to our fans, and the rivalry of this game against Tennessee,” Saban said.

Saban also thanked the fans for the “great job they had” on the impact and atmosphere of the game.

“It kept the energy level up for our team,” Saban said. “They kept the momentum in the second half for us.”

Saban noted he wished he could personally thank all of the fans.

“It was a fantastic (showing) from our fans today,” Saban said.

No. 17 Tennessee maintained a 20-7 lead at the break. In the second half, No. 11 Alabama scored 27 unanswered points, including 17 points in the third quarter.

Senior running back Jase McClellan ran the ball 27 times for 115 yards and a touchdown for the Crimson Tide. Sophomore quarterback Jalen Milroe was 14-of-21 for 220 yards and two scores.

For the Vols, senior QB Joe Milton III completed 28-of-41 passes for 271 yards and two TDs. On the ground, Milton rushed for 59 yards on 15 carries. Sophomore receiver Squirrel White had 10 receptions for 111 yards and a score.

Alabama, now 7-1 on the season, is off next week and plays host to LSU on Nov. 4.