Tennessee defense rises to the occassion, spearheads Vols’ victory vs. Alabama
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People like to claim the best defense is a good offense. That was not the case on Saturday in Knoxville when Alabama faced Tennessee.
The Vols’ defense, behind four takeaways, controlled the game in their 26-10 victory over the Crimson Tide. Tennessee held Alabama to just 201 yards of offense, notched 10 tackles for loss and sacked Keelon Russell five times while harassing him and his playmakers all afternoon at Neyland Stadium.
Volunteer defensive back Dejuan Lane, the Walter Camp Defensive Player of the Week after his efforts in Tennessee’s win over Auburn, had another standout performance against the Crimson Tide. The Jessup, MD native recorded five tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a pass defensed and an interception on Saturday. Linebacker Jeremiah Telander and defensive lineman Tyree Weathersby each provided two sacks for the Vols.
Offensively, running back DeSean Bishop again carried the load for Tennessee. The junior rusher, who hails from Knoxville, turned 32 carries into 159 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback George MacIntyre threw an interception, but played efficiently beyond that mistake, completing 67.7% of his passes (21/31) for 197 yards. Together, MacIntyre and Bishop’s efforts allowed the Vols to hold a 14-minute advantage in time of possession (35:44-21:16).
Tennessee (6-1, 3-1 SEC) is entrenched as a College Football Playoff contender because of its win. Alabama (5-2, 3-2 SEC) is on much shakier ground with its loss. The Volunteers face the South Carolina Gamecocks on the road in Week 8 (3:30 p.m. ET). At the same time, the Crimson Tide host the Texas A&M Aggies in Tuscaloosa.
