Tennessee fans took home some souvenirs after Saturday’s massive win over Alabama: goalposts.
After the No. 6 Volunteers took down No. 3 Alabama 52-49, more than 100,000 Tennessee fans stormed Neyland Stadium’s field and sparked chaos after Chase McGrath booted a wobbly, yet game-winning 40-yard field goal as time expired. It’s the first time Tennessee topped Alabama since 2006.
The Volunteers (6-0, 3-0 Southeastern Conference) ended a 15-game losing streak to the Crimson Tide (6-1, 3-1). They also now will move ahead of Alabama when the new rankings come out.
Video from the stadium shows fans knocking down a goalpost, with one shirtless fan straddling its pole.
The pumped-up fans kept the energy – and the goalposts – by later carrying one outside the stadium and into the streets.
Hendon Hooker drove the Vols 45 yards in 19 seconds to set up the winner. An 18-yard pass to Ramel Keyton and 27-yard hookup with Bru McCoy set the stage for the winner.
Tennessee Volunteers fans tore down a goal post after the Tennessee Volunteers defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide at Neyland Stadium. Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images
A fan jumps on one of the goal posts after the Tennessee Volunteers game. USA TODAY Sports
Head coach Josh Heupel of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates a win over the Alabama Crimson Tide with a cigar. Getty Images“It wasn’t my cleanest hit,” said McGrath, who missed a PAT earlier. “I didn’t have the best contact on the ball.”
Jalin Hyatt caught six passes for 207 yards and a Tennessee-record five touchdowns.
“This is college football at its absolute best,” Vols coach Josh Heupel said after the win. “We were the best team on the field tonight. That’s all we can control.”
Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, a game-time decision because of a sprained right shoulder two weeks ago, completed 35 passes for 455 yards and two TDs.
– with AP
