The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: Alabama 37, Tennessee 20

Tuscaloosa, Ala. — Rivalry games are never easy, but Alabama once again found a way to win — and that’s what matters most. The Crimson Tide extended their hot streak Saturday night, taking down the Tennessee Volunteers 37–20 inside Bryant-Denny Stadium and continuing their charge toward Atlanta and a possible playoff berth. It wasn’t the prettiest win of the season, but it was gritty, resilient, and full of championship DNA — the kind that separates contenders from pretenders.

The Good: Finding a Way to Win and Keeping the Streak Rolling

Championship teams don’t always dominate; sometimes they survive and adjust. Alabama did both. The defining moment came late in the second quarter. Tennessee was threatening to cut into Alabama’s lead — facing a crucial 4th down near the goal line with momentum starting to shift — when Zabien Brown jumped the route and took it 99 yards to the house for a pick-six. What could have been a momentum-building drive for the Vols instantly turned into a 14-point swing, sending Bryant-Denny into a frenzy and flipping the energy of the entire game. That play didn’t just change the scoreboard — it changed the mindset. From that moment on, Alabama played with swagger, confidence, and control. Kalen DeBoer’s team continues to find different ways to win. Whether it’s explosive plays, defensive grit, or timely execution, this Tide group has learned how to close games.

Here’s the historic context: Alabama produced its fourth consecutive victory over an AP Top 25 conference opponent in as many weeks, becoming the first team in SEC history to defeat four straight ranked opponents with no open dates. The Tide also became just the fourth team in SEC history to defeat four consecutive ranked opponents regardless of open dates, doing so for the first time since 2016. That’s elite-level football — and a reflection of the toughness and preparation DeBoer and his staff have instilled in this team. Offensively, it was great to see sophomore Ryan Williams catch all five of his targets for 87 yards — again showing why he’s one of the most dynamic players in the country. Germie Bernard had several key third-down receptions that extended drives, and Josh Cuevas delivered multiple clutch catches that kept the offense on schedule.

This is what “Bama football” under DeBoer is beginning to look like — disciplined,
opportunistic, and dangerous.

The Bad: Missed Opportunities and Inconsistency

As strong as the final score looks, there were still moments that left fans uneasy.
The Tide offense stalled at times, particularly in short-yardage situations and early drives.
Tennessee’s front made things tough in the trenches, and Alabama’s rhythm didn’t fully settle in until the second half. There were also some mental lapses — missed assignments, a few unnecessary penalties, and red-zone decisions that could have cost points in a tighter game. Those details matter because they’re the difference between good teams and great ones when championship stakes arrive in November. I still don’t think Alabama has played up to its full potential. There’s plenty to improve going into the South Carolina game. I’d like to see Alabama run the football a little better — this team would be nearly unstoppable with just an average SEC rushing attack. Still, when Alabama needed to respond, it did — and that’s a sign of maturity. But there’s room to tighten up before the next test.

The Ugly: Letting Tennessee Hang Around

Let’s be honest — this one could have (and probably should have) been a blowout. The Volunteers had multiple chances early to swing momentum, and Alabama’s defense occasionally allowed drives to extend longer than necessary. If not for Zabien Brown’s 99-yard
pick-six before halftime, the Vols might have made it a one-score game and gone into the locker room with confidence — and the tone of the second half might have been very different. The ugly truth: Alabama is still learning how to start games as well as it finishes them. You can’t always count on a defensive touchdown to spark a turnaround, especially with bigger opponents waiting down the stretch. Penalties, lapses in containment, and inconsistent tackling also surfaced — not fatal, but reminders that this team still has growing to do before playoff season arrives.

Final Thoughts

This was a blue-collar win in every sense — a hard-fought, rivalry-driven, physical battle that
showcased Alabama’s toughness and trust in one another. Zabien Brown’s 99-yard pick-six will go down as one of the turning points of the season — a moment that encapsulated this team’s resilience and belief. Kalen DeBoer’s squad has now beaten four straight ranked teams, and more importantly, it’s learning how to win when things aren’t perfect. If you’re a Crimson Tide fan, you leave this one proud. There’s polish to add, but the foundation is rock solid. And as always — when you beat Tennessee and light up a victory cigar in Tuscaloosa — the smoke just smells a little sweeter.

I’ll have more on this win Monday at 2 p.m. on The Game with Ryan Fowler on Tide 100.9. I’m looking forward to hearing your takes during our weekly Good, Bad, and Ugly segment, presented by Daniel Moore Art.