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Tennessee’s offense hasn’t been able to get out of its own way all season. Fortunately, the Vols’ defense has shown up every day it has been tested this year, especially on the Third Saturday in October. That led to a comeback victory for the ages and a much maligned offense that, despite its faults, just beat Alabama.

The No. 11 Vols beat the No. 7 Alabama Crimson Tide 24-17 on Saturday in Neyland Stadium as Tennessee’s highly ranked defense kept the Vols in the game when their offense continued to trip themselves up – until it was almost too late. 

The ugly beginning of the game didn’t keep Tennessee coach Josh Heupel from taking his downfield shots, which ultimately paid off. Credit the fourth-year Tennessee coach for sticking with his plan even when it seemed like quarterback Nico Iamaleava should be relegated to run-pass option plays at times. Faith in Iamaleava, despite all his struggles, likely won the game for the Vols. Well, other than Tennessee’s relentless defense that ended the game with an interception by safety Will Brooks.

Heupel had every reason to doubt his offense, which was led by Iamaleava, who missed multiple deep throws. Moreover, passes were dropped and even superstar tailback Dylan Sampson lost the first ever fumble in his career. It was the same ol’ bad offense in the first half as Tennessee went scoreless in the first two frames for the third consecutive game. Tennessee hasn’t done that since 1963, but they weren’t done.

While Tennessee’s offense kept bumbling, the Vols’ defense kept the Vols in the game, giving up no points in the first quarter, limiting Bama to 81 yards and turning in a highlight play when Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy returned an interception 54 yards when Bama was about to score near the goal line. It didn’t look wise at the time, but McCoy ran out of the end zone and flipped the field. It’s too bad he couldn’t score because the Vols’ offense could only set up a field goal attempt, which was missed.

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Two things clearly played out early in the game. Tennessee wanted to out-physical Alabama, which I know sounds strange given the recent history of the series. The other was even more unexpected: could the Vols overcome Iamaleava’s shaky play throughout the game. The stage has been set for weeks, but Iamaleava has yet to assume a leading role for the Vols, even in the win against Alabama. Iamaleava was 14 of 27 for 194 yards passing, with one touchdown and one interception. He also ran the ball for 44 yards on nine carries.

If there was every a story line turning point in Iamaleava’s career, it would have been when the redshirt freshman was knocked from the game when he was tackled from the behind and had his head slammed into the turf. Backup Gaston Moore came in the game and threw an interception on his one pass attempt. 

Iamaleava was back at quarterback on the following drive and seemed to inspire the Vols – for about a play. It didn’t last long. Iamaleava threw a terrible interception in which he was rolling left, was being pressured and chose to try to throw the ball into double coverage. Iamaleava has thrown some ugly, untimely interceptions this season. However, that one took the cake as the Vols seemed close to scoring and were gaining momentum.

Iamaleava finished the first half completing just seven-of-14 passes for 100 yards and an interception. He wasn’t alone in his ineptitude. While Tennessee’s defense’ repeatedly stalemated the Tide, the Vols’ offense and special teams dug quite the hole in the first half with two interceptions and two missed field goals. As for that defense, they gave up just 328 yards in the game.

Iamaleava finally had a positive impact on the game in the third quarter, thanks to his legs. Iamaleava had some timely runs to led the Vols to a 7-7 tie. It would be a stretch to ever say Iamaleava looked completely comfortable. However, he looked more confident when he ran the football decisively on that drive. That could be something to build on, especially if that throwing arm continues to defy him and the Vols receivers drop passes as was the case on Saturday with Bru McCoy and Squirrel White. Then, that often-questioned passing arm came into play and, finally for the Vols, in a good way.

Iamaleava found receiver Dont’e Thornton for a 55-yard completion that set up a Sampson touchdown run from three yards out. The drive was set in motion by a substitution penalty that seemed to be a case of the officials growing tired of the fake injuries that have plagued college football this season. The play might not have actually been a penalty, but the Vols took that as the momentum they needed while Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer continued to gripe about the unusual call.

As for Iamaleava, accuracy still defied him even when Tennessee receivers found their way open in the fourth quarter. Still, he seemed somewhat more comfortable throwing and running in the final frame. A deft punt by Jackson Ross that was downed near the goal line and a three-and-out by the Vols’ defense gave Iamaleava the chance to shine down 17-14 to the Crimson Tide with just over eight minutes to go in the game.

Iamaleava reacted with much of the same before he made a play that could go down in series’ lore. Iamaleava ran somewhat effectively, missed a wide-open Chris Brazzell and managed the Vols’ offense as Tennessee kept leaning on Alabama with the running game. Sampson had eight rushes for 35 yards in the first half, but finished the game with 26 carries for 139 yards and 2 touchdowns. Then, just when all common sense seemed to suggest that the Vols keep the ball on the ground, Iamaleava found Brazzell for a 16-yard touchdown pass that gave the Vols their first lead 21-17.

With the loss to Oklahoma earlier this season, the Vols’ College Football Playoff hopes most likely relied on the Alabama game. ESPN reported the Vols would have 70-percent odds to make the College Football Playoff if they beat Alabama. It seems the Vols could still lose to Georgia, win the rest of the games in which they’ll be favored in and still make the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff.

Why? A defense that can trade punches with anyone, an offense that seems to be finding it’s way and a win on the Third Saturday in October that should give the Vols’ faith moving forward.

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