The old rivalry between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers, known as the “Third Saturday in October,” has been a cornerstone of college football since 1901.
In their most recent encounter on October 19, 2024, the Volunteers secured a 24-17 victory over the Crimson Tide, marking a significant moment in this historic series.
This blog delves into the latest matchup, providing in-depth player statistics, head-to-head comparisons, and key takeaways highlighting this enduring rivalry’s significance.
Team Performance Overview
As of January 11, 2025, the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers have demonstrated impressive performances, each showcasing unique strengths contributing to their successful seasons.
Alabama Crimson Tide
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Wins | 9 |
| Losses | 1 |
| Points Scored | 420 |
| Points Allowed | 230 |
| Turnovers Forced | 18 |
| Average Points/Game | 42.0 |
| Average Points Allowed/Game | 23.0 |
| Turnover Margin | +10 |
Alabama’s offense has been prolific, averaging 42.0 points per game, reflecting their ability to dominate opponents. Defensively, allowing 23.0 points per game and achieving a turnover margin of +10 underscores their capacity to disrupt opposing offenses and capitalize on mistakes.
Tennessee Volunteers
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Wins | 8 |
| Losses | 2 |
| Points Scored | 390 |
| Points Allowed | 250 |
| Turnovers Forced | 16 |
| Average Points/Game | 39.0 |
| Average Points Allowed/Game | 25.0 |
| Turnover Margin | +8 |
Tennessee’s resilience is evident in their 8-2 record, with an offense averaging 39.0 points per game. Their defense allows 25.0 points per game, and a turnover margin of +8 highlights their opportunistic play, seizing critical moments to shift game momentum.
Both teams exhibit potent offenses and robust defenses, with Alabama slightly outperforming Tennessee in scoring and defensive metrics. The Crimson Tide’s higher turnover margin indicates a more aggressive defense, while the Volunteers’ consistent scoring reflects offensive efficiency. These statistics set the stage for a compelling continuation of their historic rivalry, promising fans an exciting and closely contested matchup.
Note: These statistics are current as of January 11, 2025, and are subject to change as the season progresses.
This chart visually compares key stats (Wins, Losses, Points Scored, Points Allowed) between Alabama and Tennessee.
Quarterback Showdown: Milroe vs. Iamaleava
The “Third Saturday in October” is more than just a date on the college football calendar—it’s a battleground where rivalries are forged and legends are made. The 2024 matchup between Alabama’s Jalen Milroe and Tennessee’s Nico Iamaleava was a quarterback duel for the ages, with both players showcasing their talent and leaving their mark on this historic rivalry.
Player Profiles and Season Stats
| Player | Team | Passing Yards | TDs | INTs | Completion % | Rushing Yards | QB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen Milroe | Alabama | 3,100 | 28 | 6 | 67% | 350 | 105.4 |
| Nico Iamaleava | Tennessee | 2,900 | 25 | 8 | 65% | 300 | 101.2 |
Approximate radar chart comparing Passing Yards, TDs, INTs, Completion %, Rushing Yards, and QB Rating.
Despite his impressive stats, Milroe’s two interceptions were costly, while Iamaleava showcased poise under pressure, leading Tennessee to a 24-17 win.
Alabama’s Power vs. Tennessee’s Versatility
The October 19, 2024, clash between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers was more than just a test of aerial prowess—it was a tale of two contrasting rushing philosophies. Both teams leaned on their ground game to gain an edge, but Tennessee’s speed and versatility ultimately outshone Alabama’s power-running approach.
Alabama’s Power Running Game
Alabama’s offense aimed to dominate the trenches with a power-running strategy, focusing on controlling the line of scrimmage and time of possession. Despite their efforts, the Crimson Tide struggled to generate consistent gains against Tennessee’s stout defensive front.
| Rushing Performance | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Total Yards | 75 |
| Attempts | 34 |
| Average Yards/Carry | 2.2 |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 1 |
Key Contributors:
Jam Miller: 12 carries, 42 yards
Jalen Milroe: 14 carries, 25 yards
Tennessee’s Speed and Versatility
In stark contrast, Tennessee’s rushing attack relied on speed, creativity, and adaptability. By targeting gaps in Alabama’s defense, the Volunteers turned their ground game into a weapon, consistently gaining significant yardage and setting up their passing attack.
| Rushing Performance | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Total Yards | 214 |
| Attempts | 43 |
| Average Yards/Carry | 5.0 |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 2 |
Key Contributor:
Dylan Sampson: 26 carries, 139 yards, 2 touchdowns
Rushing Statistics
| Team | Total Rushing Yards | Attempts | Average Yards/Carry | Rushing Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama Crimson Tide | 75 | 34 | 2.2 | 1 |
| Tennessee Volunteers | 214 | 43 | 5.0 | 2 |
Alabama vs. Tennessee Win-Loss Ratio
The rivalry between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers, famously known as the “Third Saturday in October,” has been a cornerstone of college football since 1901. It’s a clash that transcends wins and losses, embodying the tradition, passion, and intensity that define the sport.
All-Time Series Record (as of Oct 19, 2024)
| Team | Wins | Losses | Ties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama Crimson Tide | 59 | 40 | 7 |
| Tennessee Volunteers | 40 | 59 | 7 |
Note: Alabama’s 2005 victory was vacated due to NCAA sanctions, slightly altering the official record.
Win-Loss-Tie Distribution
Decade-by-Decade Breakdown
| Decade | Games Played | Alabama Wins | Tennessee Wins | Ties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1900s | 8 | 6 | 1 | 1 |
| 1910s | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 1920s | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 1930s | 10 | 5 | 4 | 1 |
Data as of October 19, 2024.
Notable Streaks
Alabama’s Longest Winning Streak: 15 games (2007–2021)
Tennessee’s Longest Winning Streak: 7 games (1995–2001)
In the 2024 matchup, Tennessee defeated Alabama 24-17, ending Alabama’s recent dominance and securing their first victory in the series since 2022.
Wide Receiver Showdown
In the October 19, 2024, matchup between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers, the wide receivers from both teams delivered standout performances, each bringing unique skills to the field.
Alabama’s Star Receivers: Playmakers and Highlight-Reel Moments
Freshman Ryan Williams led the team with 8 receptions for 73 yards and 1 touchdown, showcasing precise route running and an ability to find openings in the defense. Germie Bernard added 5 catches for 72 yards, demonstrating speed and agility to create separation and make critical catches.
Tennessee’s Wideouts: Route Running, Catches in Traffic, and Game-Breaking Plays
Bru McCoy hauled in 6 receptions for 80 yards, while Chris Brazzell II contributed 2 catches for 27 yards and a touchdown—an essential red-zone play that helped secure the Volunteers’ victory. Their ability to make contested grabs and execute game-breaking plays fueled Tennessee’s offensive momentum.
Detailed Receiving Statistics
| Player | Team | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns | Yards Per Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Williams | Alabama | 8 | 73 | 1 | 9.1 |
| Germie Bernard | Alabama | 5 | 72 | 0 | 14.4 |
| Justice Haynes | Alabama | 5 | 34 | 0 | 6.8 |
| Kendrick Law | Alabama | 4 | 37 | 0 | 9.3 |
| CJ Dippre | Alabama | 2 | 21 | 0 | 10.5 |
| Jamarion Miller | Alabama | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2.0 |
| Bru McCoy | Tennessee | 6 | 80 | 0 | 13.3 |
| Dont’e Thornton Jr. | Tennessee | 3 | 70 | 0 | 23.3 |
| Chris Brazzell II | Tennessee | 2 | 27 | 1 | 13.5 |
| Squirrel White | Tennessee | 2 | 17 | 0 | 8.5 |
| Miles Kitselman | Tennessee | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 |
Special Teams Impact: Alabama vs. Tennessee (October 19, 2024)
Special teams played a crucial role in the Alabama Crimson Tide and Tennessee Volunteers’ thrilling matchup, influencing field position, momentum, and scoring opportunities.
| Category | Alabama Crimson Tide | Tennessee Volunteers |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goals Made | 3/3 (35, 42 yards) | 2/2 |
| Punting Average (yards) | 45.0 (5 punts, long: 55 yards) | 42.5 (6 punts, long: 50 yards) |
| Return Yards | 120 (Ryan Williams, long: 41 yards) | 110 (Squirrel White, long: 37 yards) |
| Blocked Kicks | 1 | 0 |
Alabama’s precise field goal execution and a pivotal blocked kick emphasized their ability to capitalize on high-pressure moments. Meanwhile, Tennessee’s consistent punting and effective return game ensured favorable field position, bolstering their overall performance. Both teams showcased the significant impact of special teams in a rivalry as intense as this.
Key Matchups and Game-Changing Moments
The October 19, 2024, showdown between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Tennessee Volunteers was packed with pivotal plays and player matchups that shaped the game’s 24-17 outcome.
Pivotal Plays
- Dylan Sampson’s Breakaway Touchdown: A 45-yard rushing TD in the third quarter swung momentum to Tennessee.
- Alabama’s Blocked Field Goal: A 38-yard attempt was blocked early in the fourth quarter, keeping the game within reach.
- Nico Iamaleava’s Clutch Completion: A 25-yard pass to Bru McCoy on third down sealed Tennessee’s victory.
Player Matchups
| Matchup | Key Outcome |
|---|---|
| Alabama’s O-Line vs. Tennessee’s D-Line | Tennessee limited Alabama to 75 rushing yards, sacking Milroe twice. |
| Ryan Williams vs. Tennessee’s Secondary | Williams caught 8 passes for 73 yards and a TD, but deep threats were contained. |
| Dylan Sampson vs. Alabama’s Linebackers | Sampson ran for 139 yards and 2 TDs, exposing gaps in Alabama’s front seven. |
Tennessee’s 24-17 victory ended Alabama’s recent dominance, highlighting the Volunteers’ capacity to thrive in high-pressure moments. The clash embodied the essence of college football—hard-fought, unpredictable, and rich in tradition. Fans await the next chapter of this legendary rivalry with heightened anticipation.
Conclusion
The “Third Saturday in October” continues to thrill fans, showcasing epic moments like Jalen Milroe’s heroics and Nico Iamaleava’s poise. Explosive plays and defensive stands defined the rivalry once again.
Tennessee’s 24-17 win on October 19, 2024, added a new chapter to this century-old saga, signaling a shift in momentum and igniting fresh intrigue for the future.
As the season unfolds, this rivalry remains a cornerstone of college football, promising even greater drama in the next showdown.