Tennessee Football: Vols Rocked by Alabama 49-10

Tennessee football’s College Football Playoff hopes were dashed with a terrible loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Volunteers fell 49-10 to Bama.

Alabama increased its winning streak over Tennessee football to 10 in a row, and Nick Saban made it 11 in a row for himself as the Tide destroyed the Vols in Knoxville 49-10.

Tennessee fell to 5-2 and 2-2 in the SEC as Alabama gained 574 yards of total offense, including 143 passing yards,132 rushing yards, and three rushing touchdowns from Jalen Hurts.

The Vols fell behind 14-0 after Joshua Dobbs threw a pick-six in the first quarter. However, they cut it to 14-7 after a fumble by Hurts set up an Alvin Kamara touchdown run.

Dobbs finished 16 of 27 for 92 yards and had minues-31 yards rushing. Jalen Hurd finished with 13 carries for 28 yards, while Kamara finished with eight carries for 21 yards and that one touchdown.

The game was never really a contest. Even after Kamara cut it to a touchdown lead, Alabama responded with a quick touchdown of its own. And after trailing at halftime 21-7, the Vols fell behind 28-7 in the third. They cut it to 28-10 with a field goal.

Then Alabama had three quick touchdowns, including a one-yard run by Hurts after a 75-yard drive, a punt return by Eddie Jackson for a touchdown, and an 85-yard run by Bo Scarbrough.

Just like that, the Vols were down 49-10, and that’s where the score stayed.

Tennessee now needs help to get to the SEC Championship game with another loss somewhere by the Florida Gators. From their perspective, a College Football Playoff appearance is almost impossible now.

They could’ve made that case if they lost a close one on Saturday, but even if they win the SEC title with two losses, a blowout loss is very hard to sell.

Tennessee’s injuries really showed today on the offensive line and at linebacker. With a bye week, at least they have time to get everybody healthy.

But this loss has to hurt.