By Jack Glennon
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Heartbreak. Frustration. These are but a few of the emotions Tennessee Volunteers athletes have cited over Alabama’s dominance of the past quarter-century.
Before Saturday, Alabama had reigned victorious over Tennessee on October’s third Saturday 16 times since 2007.
Unfortunately for the Volunteers, Saturday’s contest was no different, with Alabama defeating Tennessee 37-20 in Tuscaloosa, continuing the Crimson Tide’s recent success against the Tri-Star State.
Though Tennessee outgained Alabama on the ground and through the air, the Tide maintained a strong lead throughout a majority of the game.
Ty Simpson maintained his stellar level of play, completing 65.5% of his passes for 253 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Though the Volunteers held Alabama running backs under 100 combined rushing yards, they failed to create the big plays that have kept them afloat for a large portion of the season.
Tennessee was never able to sack Simpson, and the Tide only committed a single turnover.
One thing that left many Volunteer fans particularly puzzled was the lack of playing time for senior running back Star Thomas.
Thomas made it clear Monday, however, that his approach has not changed.
“I just try to stay ready… so when my name [is] called, just [have to] go out and do the things that I am asked to do,” Thomas said.
When asked how he plans to keep the team in the right headspace after such a tough loss, Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel made it clear.
“You [have] to be the same competitor every week,” Heupel said. “[Kentucky] is our next opportunity as a football team, and we [have] to continue to grow.”
While Kentucky is yet to win an SEC game this season, Heupel was complimentary of their efforts in a 16-13 loss to the No. 22-ranked Texas Longhorns.
“We are playing a really good football team,” said Heupel. “Statistically, [they] won the game in about every way, just not on the scoreboard…”
After dropping their second game of the season, the Volunteers dropped to No. 17 in the AP top 25 poll, and have little room for error with five games remaining.
Tennessee will travel to Lexington this weekend to face the Wildcats at 7:45 PM ET. The Volunteers will look to improve their overall record to 6-2 (3-2 SEC), while the Wildcats will look to improve to 3-4 (SEC).