Former Tennessee football stars react to rivalry win over Alabama
Hendon Hooker and the Tennessee Volunteers stunned the Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday night in one of the biggest wins in Volunteer program history, 52-49. The win not only catapulted Hooker to the front of the Heisman Trophy race for the time being, but there were some important milestones reached for the Tennessee program. The win was: the Vols’ first top-10 win since 2006, their first top-five win since 2005, and it propelled the Volunteers to 6-0 for the first time since 1998. Following the mayhem in Neyland Stadium, plenty of former Tennessee players reacted on Twitter to one of the biggest wins in school history.
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marquez Callaway shared his thoughts.
Offensive tackle Ja’Wuan James for the Baltimore Ravens shared his thoughts.
Current Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Kendal Vickers took Twitter to share a brief message.
One of the greatest offensive lineman in Volunteer history, current Kansas City Chief Trey Smith, got to chime in.
And finally, former Volunteer Shy Tuttle, a defensive lineman for the New Orleans Saints, had to share his thoughts.
Hendon Hooker was spectacular in the win, completing 21 of 30 pass attempts for 385 yards, while tossing five touchdowns and just one interception. He also ran 14 times for 56 yards on the ground.
There will be near countless other members of the Tennessee football program chiming in tonight, but those are just a few of the reactions. Wins like the Alabama victory are part of what make college sports so incredible–the remarkable passion and connection between the schools, players, and fans. With historic wins, come historic celebrations and there will undoubtedly be a historic celebration tonight in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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More on the historic Tennessee victory over Alabama
The Tennessee Volunteers remained undefeated after taking down Alabama with a game-winning field goal as time expired, 52-49. The kick came on the heels of a missed field goal by Alabama kicker Will Reichard that gave Tennessee the ball back with good field position and a tied game.
Hendon Hooker led his team down into field goal range and Chase McGrath hit his 40-yard attempt to win it.
The kick and camera angle combined for an extra layer of drama fitting the second half between the two undefeated SEC opponents, with the ball narrowly avoiding being blocked and knuckling through the air and through the goal posts.
Tennessee quickly stormed the field to celebrate the historic win for the program, taking down Alabama after losing the last 15 matchups — and never having defeated Nick Saban as the coach of the Crimson Tide. The win was also the first time Tennessee had taken down a top-five opponent after losing 28-straight, and the 6-0 start is the best start for the program since 1998.
On3’s Austin Brezina also contributed to this article.