No. 6 Alabama shuts down No. 11 Tennessee 37-20 for fourth straight win over a ranked team

Alabama defensive back Zabien Brown (2) grabs an interception meant for Tennessee tight end Miles Kitselman (87) and returns it 99 yards for a pick-six touchdown on the final play of the first half during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

Alabama’s Zabien Brown returned an interception 99 yards for a touchdown as time expired in the first half and No. 6 Alabama rolled to a 37-20 victory over No. 11 Tennessee.

In the rivalry known as the “Third Saturday in October,” Brown’s pick gave the Crimson Tide a 23-7 lead and was all Alabama’s defense needed while turning in its best performance of the season. The Tide (6-1, 4-0 Southeastern Conference) held the nation’s highest-scoring offense to just 410 yards, well below its 529-yard average.

Ty Simpson completed 19 of 29 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. He led two TD drives of 90-plus yards as the Crimson Tide won their sixth consecutive game, including four in a row against ranked opponents.

For Tennessee (5-2, 2-2), Joey Aguilar completed 28 of 44 passes for 268 yards, with a touchdown and an interception. DeSean Bishop ran for 123 yards and two touchdowns.

Alabama’s final touchdown, a 4-yard run by Daniel Hill with 5:49 remaining, ignited cigar smoke from every direction inside Bryant-Denny Stadium — a tradition for the victors in this rivalry.

Alabama prevented back Tennessee from winning consecutive games in the series for the first time since 2003-04. Alabama has won 17 of 19 in the rivalry.

Alabama’s win, coupled with losses by No. 5 Ole Miss to No. 9 Georgia, should propel the Tide into the top five in the next AP Poll. Tennessee will surely fall, along with No. 7 Texas Tech and No. 10 LSU.

The Crimson Tide has arguably the best collection of wins in college football with four victories over ranked teams. Led by Simpson, Alabama has established itself as a legitimate championship contender midway through the season.

Alabama plays at unranked South Carolina next Saturday.

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