For the fourth consecutive week, Alabama football faced a ranked SEC opponent — and for the fourth straight time, the Crimson Tide emerged victorious. Saturday’s 37-20 win over No. 11 Tennessee wasn’t flawless, but it was decisive, and it marked a historic stretch for Alabama: four ranked wins in four weeks without a bye, something no team has ever done before.
Now 6-1 and riding a six-game winning streak, Alabama has climbed to No. 4 in both the AP and Coaches Polls, firmly positioning itself for a return trip to Atlanta for the SEC Championship Game. The victory over Tennessee was a complete display of resilience, quarterback brilliance, and defensive discipline — the kind of performance that cements championship-caliber credentials.
Ty Simpson once again proved why he’s one of college football’s premier quarterbacks. The rising Heisman contender went 19-of-29 for 253 yards and two touchdowns, carving through Tennessee’s defense with calm precision. Most importantly, Alabama’s offensive line kept him upright — a stark improvement after allowing eight sacks in the previous two games. With targets like Ryan Williams rediscovering form and Germie Bernard providing consistency, the Tide’s aerial attack remains a nightmare for opponents.
Defensively, coordinator Kane Wommack’s group delivered arguably its best performance of the season. Tennessee’s potent passing offense was suffocated, finishing with a -18.87 EPA on pass plays. The highlight came from freshman cornerback Zabien Brown, whose pick-six before halftime flipped momentum entirely, giving Alabama a 23-7 lead. The Tide also recorded four sacks, rattling Vols quarterback Joey Aguilar throughout the game.
Quietly, sophomore defensive back Red Morgan emerged as an unsung hero. Subbed in midgame, Morgan’s energy and coverage erased Tennessee’s slot advantage and reinforced the secondary’s dominance. His redemption story is a testament to Kalen DeBoer’s culture of development and accountability.
While Alabama’s ground game struggled statistically, it came alive when it mattered most. Redshirt freshman Daniel Hill powered a crucial fourth-quarter drive, sealing the win with a bruising touchdown that showcased Alabama’s physicality.
After a shaky third quarter where momentum briefly swung Tennessee’s way, the Tide responded with composure — a 99-yard touchdown drive that epitomized their mental toughness. This Alabama team may not be a vintage Saban-era juggernaut, but it’s gritty, balanced, and unflinching under pressure — traits that could carry them all the way to another championship run.
