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One word explains how Tennessee upset Alabama. Josh Heuepl says it out loud

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel characterized his team's 26-10 victory over Alabama as "suffocating," a description that highlighted the Vols' dominant defensive performance. The No.

14 Tennessee squad limited Alabama to just 201 total yards, forced four turnovers, and recorded two fourth-down stops to dismantle the No. 7 Crimson Tide's offensive rhythm.

This result significantly impacts the national championship picture, leaving Alabama with two losses and casting doubt on their ability to secure a playoff berth despite their earlier five-game winning streak.

The game also shifted the narrative around Tennessee's quarterback situation, as backup-turned-starter George MacIntyre outperformed Alabama's Keelon Russell, completing passes for 197 yards compared to Russell's 147. Tennessee's defense also recorded five sacks on Russell, effectively ending his Heisman Trophy campaign momentum.

Following the win, Tennessee defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and the Vols players celebrated with cigars, a tradition for the winning side in this rivalry, while Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer addressed his team from a folding table in the losing side's area.

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