He looked a little out of sorts at times in the passing game, but Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa managed to get his third 300-yard outing against a Southeastern Conference opponent.
The sophomore completed 19 of 29 attempts – 65.5 percent – for 306 passing yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions. Tagovailoa moved to fourth all-time for scoring passes in a season for the Crimson Tide with 25, and the record is 30 that came in 2012.
Josh Jacobs paced the Tide’s rushing attack in a 58-21 win, totaling 68 yards with two touchdowns on 12 carries. While averaged 5.7 yards per rush, sophomore Brian Robinson accounted for 60 yards rushing on 13 carries. Both Damien Harris and quarterback Jalen Hurts each turned in a rushing score.
After his performance, Jacobs leads Alabama in rushing touchdowns (eight) as he the team goes into the bye week at 8-0 on the season.
Jaylen Waddle posted his second career 100-yard game at wide receiver.
The freshman roasted Tennessee’s secondary for 117 yards on four receptions, including a 77-yard catch from Tagovailoa in the first quarter. Eight different players caught a pass from the Heisman frontrunner, with Jerry Jeudy and tight end Irv Smith Jr., both snagging five passes.
Deionte Thompson captained the Tide on defense with seven tackles.
The trio of Shyheim Carter, Xavier McKinney and LaBryan Ray all had five stops apiece, and Carter generated two tackles for loss with a forced fumble. McKinney joined Christian Miller and Isaiah Buggs in sacking Tennessee’s quarterback, Jarrett Guarantano. Buggs currently leads the team in sacks (8.5), while Miller stands at 5.5. Alabama held the Volunteers to 31 yards rushing (258 total yards), and it was able to rack up 545 yards – continuing its explosive play.
A special moment came from senior walk-on Mike Bernier, as he got the starting nod at punter over Skyler Delong. In playing for his mother, who died earlier this season due to breast cancer, Bernier attempted two punts that both traveled 41 yards and brought smiles to fans.
Nick Saban and the Tide will be off next week.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
