If you're asking what's the score of the Tennessee Alabama game, you probably caught the highlights or heard the roar from Neyland Stadium. It was a massive afternoon for the Vols. Tennessee walked away with a 24-17 victory over Alabama in their most recent matchup on October 19, 2024.
Honestly, the energy was just different this time. You could feel it through the screen. For a while there, it looked like the Crimson Tide might ruin the party, especially after a sluggish first half where Tennessee couldn't seem to buy a point. But college football is weird, and the "Third Saturday in October" always brings some level of chaos.
Breaking Down the 24-17 Scoreline
People keep searching for the final score because the game felt like a tug-of-war. Alabama actually led 7-0 at the half. Jalen Milroe found Ryan Williams for a 5-yard score early on, and things looked pretty grim for the home crowd. Then the third quarter happened. Tennessee woke up.
Dylan Sampson basically put the team on his back. He’s been a workhorse all season, but those two rushing touchdowns in the third quarter flipped the script. He ended the day with 139 yards on the ground. When he's hitting the gaps like that, Tennessee is a nightmare to stop.
The turning point? Probably that 16-yard touchdown pass from Nico Iamaleava to Chris Brazzell II in the fourth. It was a gutsy throw. Iamaleava had been struggling earlier with interceptions and some questionable decisions, but he delivered when it mattered. That put the Vols up 21-17. A late field goal by Max Gilbert iced it, making it 24-17.
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Why the Alabama Tennessee Rivalry Still Matters
This isn't just another game on the schedule. For years, Alabama dominated this series—we're talking a 15-game winning streak that felt like it would never end. But the tide has clearly turned lately. Since 2022, Tennessee has won two of the last three meetings in Knoxville.
There’s something about that stadium. When the goalposts come down and the cigars get lit, it reminds you why SEC football is a different breed. Alabama fans will point to the penalties—and yeah, they had 15 of them for over 100 yards—but Tennessee's defense was the real story. They held one of the most explosive offenses in the country to just 17 points.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
A lot of folks think Tennessee just "got lucky" because Jalen Milroe had an off night. That’s a bit of a stretch. Milroe threw two interceptions, sure, but he was under constant duress. The Vols' defensive line lived in the backfield. If you look at the box score, Alabama only managed 75 rushing yards.
You can't win in the SEC if you can't run the ball. Period.
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Another misconception is that the 2024 game was a shootout like the 52-49 thriller in 2022. It wasn't. This was a physical, sometimes ugly, defensive battle. It was "old school" in a way that modern fans aren't always used to seeing.
Recent Game History and Score Trends
If you're looking for historical context, the scores have been all over the place lately.
- 2024: Tennessee 24, Alabama 17 (Knoxville)
- 2023: Alabama 34, Tennessee 20 (Tuscaloosa)
- 2022: Tennessee 52, Alabama 49 (Knoxville)
- 2021: Alabama 52, Tennessee 24 (Tuscaloosa)
The home team has been defending their turf well. It's becoming a trend where the "Third Saturday in October" is the most stressful day of the year for fans of both programs.
Actionable Insights for the Next Matchup
If you're planning on betting or just want to sound smart at the tailgate next year, keep these factors in mind.
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First, watch the turnover margin. In the 2024 game, Tennessee actually had three turnovers to Alabama's two, yet they still won. That’s rare. Usually, the team that protects the ball wins this game.
Second, pay attention to the venue. Alabama has struggled significantly in the noise of Neyland Stadium. If the game is in Knoxville, the "score of the Tennessee Alabama game" is likely going to favor the Vols or at least be a one-possession affair.
Finally, track the run game. Alabama's inability to establish the run in 2024 was their downfall. If they can't get 100+ yards on the ground, they're in trouble.
Check the official SEC schedule for the 2025 date, which is set for October 18 in Tuscaloosa. Alabama will be looking for revenge, and based on the 37-20 score from their most recent clash in 2025, they've already started to reclaim some of that ground. Keep an eye on the injury reports leading up to game week, as that usually dictates the spread more than anything else.