It wasn’t always pretty, but a win is a win. The Alabama Crimson Tide overcame an anemic offensive performance and a late Volunteers touchdown to secure a 19-14 win and move their record to 7-1.

The story of the game can be summed up with “3.” Tennessee’s place kicker Aaron Medley missed three long field goals, and Alabama’s defense dropped three sure interceptions that would have stopped a Volunteers offense that managed to run for 132 yards on the day.

The fourth quarter saw the Tide engineer a game-winning drive thanks to spectacular plays from spectacular athletes. Acrobatic grabs from both ArDarius Stewart and Calvin Ridley moved Alabama to within striking distance. Derrick Henry took advantage on a fourteen yard touchdown run to secure the final margin.

Nick Saban was effusive in his praise of his team. He said “I’m proud of the team, and how they found a way to win.” Saban also singled out the play of Jake Coker and Derrick Henry offensively, as well as acknowledging how well the defense played throughout.

That defense allowed only 303 yards against the Volunteers. Tennessee quarterback Josh Dobbs were under constant duress, and the Tide recorded five sacks in the game. In fact, it was a speed rush from Ryan Anderson that got him into position to strip the Volunteer QB for the turnover that clinched the Alabama win.

While fans will have multiple issues to discuss including penalties, shaky offensive line play, and injuries throughout the bye week, the fact remains that the Crimson Tide go into bye with a 7-1 record, and a date with the LSU Tigers in two weeks. Assuming Ole Miss goes down, and the Rebels have a dicey November, winner of LSU/Bama goes to Atlanta.