The Alabama Crimson Tide claimed its fourth consecutive victory over a ranked opponent, this time in a Third Saturday in October rivalry clash against the Tennessee Volunteers by a score of 37-20 in Tuscaloosa.

It was a ripping start for Alabama, forcing a Vols three and out on the first drive of the game before going down the field with a very impressive 11-play, 91-yard opening drive that ended in a Simpson toss to Isaiah Horton to get the scoring started and put the Tide on top early:

After trading punts, an impressive drive for the Vols would wind up tying the game at 7-7 early in the second quarter, but things turned around for Alabama largely on defense from that point forward. Forcing a safety the next time Tennessee had the ball, the Tide went up 9-7 and would take advantage of the safety with another touchdown on the ensuing possession, this time on a Jam Miller carry.

It was the very last play of the first half that was the biggest of the night though, as the Vols were knocking on the door of the goal line. With seconds remaining in the half, sloppy clock management from Josh Huepel led to his offense being forced to put the ball in the air, and Zabien Brown snagged an interception which he would return all the way 100 yards for a score to put Alabama up 23-7 at half.

Tennessee fought back admirably in the second half with a touchdown and a turnover on a Ty Simpson strip sack, but the Tide once again showed its class on offense to help put things away. A 9-play 99-yard drive to close out the third quarter gave Alabama a commanding 30-13 lead on a Rico Scott touchdown.

After Tennessee fought back yet again to cut the lead back to 10 at 30-20, it was a Daniel Hill four-yard rush that really put things away.

Simpson did not have the flashiest day on the stat sheet, but he impressed once again and finished 19 of 29 for 253 yards and two touchdowns. The leading receiver was Ryan Williams, who had five catches for 87 yards after largely not being featured last week due to injury.

Collecting four sacks as a defense including a safety against one of the best statistical offense in the nation while allowing just 20 points was an impressive defensive performance. If this is indicative of the type of unit the defense has become, it could be a scary thought for the rest of the nation.

Next up for Alabama is another road test, this time, at struggling South Carolina next week before their second bye.