Tennessee football drops opportunities in 37-20 loss to Alabama

Tennessee football battled for four quarters against Alabama but ultimately fell short 37-20 on a night that personifies dropped passes and untimely penalties. 

While it was a 17-point loss, it was much closer than 17 points throughout three and a half quarters. Alabama was able to execute better than Tennessee and eventually pulled away after leading most of the game by 10 points or less. 

The Vols seemed to be close to breaking through and taking control of the game, but drops, missed assignments, and penalties cost the Vols an opportunity to upset Alabama on the road. 

This loss will hurt inside the building as Tennessee looks back on this game and thinks about what could have been if they had executed a few different plays differently throughout the game. 

The pick six to end the first half, failing to get points after a second half turnover, and Alabama extending drives on third down, lost Tennessee the game. 

The Vols still struggled to get off the field on third down, allowing Ty Simpson and the Alabama offense easy conversions throughout the game and finishing the night converting 45% of their third-down attempts. 

Tennessee’s run defense was much better compared to previous conference games. Alabama rushed for 120 yards, but it took Tennessee well into the second half to establish the run, hurting their opportunities to put points on the board. 

Simply put, Tennessee has to be better. When they have an opportunity to get off the field on third down, they have to find a way to get a stop. When Tennessee forces a turnover, they have to find a way to put points on the board. They can’t drop passes or allow negative plays; they have to find ways to put points on the board. 

Three missed redzone opportunities, with one resulting in an Alabama touchdown, all but ended any chance Tennessee had to win this game. If Tennessee capitalizes on any of those three trips, especially to end the first half, this game likely ends very differently. 

Tennessee drops its second conference game to fall to 2-2 in SEC play. The Vols now have to prepare for another road trip and another night game as they head to Lexington to face Kentucky next Saturday.