In the first half of Saturday’s 24-17 win over Alabama football, Tennessee was only able to pick up 44 yards on the ground, not to mention a lost fumble. For an offense built around running back Dylan Sampson, it made things difficult, and contributed to a 7-0 halftime deficit for the Volunteers.
Not so much in the second half. UT ran for 170 yards after the break, with a Sampson touchdown giving the Volunteers their first lead.
After the game, Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel was asked what changed at halftime.
“Some halftime adjustments, some just straight execution,” Heupel said. “And then, as you get going, the ability to physically move people as the game goes on. So a combination of everything.”
Sampson finished the game with 139 yards on 26 carries. He scored two touchdowns for the Volunteers.
The Crimson Tide defense had to stop the UT run game if it was going to win the Third Saturday in October rivalry game. In the second half, it simply couldn’t.
The Volunteers glided down the field after the break, and the UA offense didn’t have enough to answer on the other end.
“I think just the attention to detail,” Sampson said, when asked what changed. “Stop shooting ourselves in the foot. Start playing better on tempo. People holding their blocks better, and then, it’s on. Keep it rolling.”
Once the clock hit zero with the Volunteers winning, Tennessee fans spilled onto the field, as the Neyland Stadium public address system played “Dixieland Delight” to troll the Tide. The celebration will cost UT $100,000 in fines, paid directly to Alabama, though Heupel and athletics director Danny White likely don’t mind writing the check.
“It was another prize fight,” Heupel said. “You gotta answer the bell. These guys answered the bell every single round. I would go to battle with these guys every single day. Just another great night on Rocky Top.”
Alabama will be back in action next Saturday, facing Missouri in Tuscaloosa.
