KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – In a secluded media room, Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer spoke to the media while Tennessee fans tore down Neyland Stadium’s goal posts. Admittedly, DeBoer isn’t used to losing, but neither are Alabama fans.

“Obviously a tough, frustrating loss,” DeBoer said.

“I know we’ve got a locker room that’s hurting. I feel like there’s always a common feel in the locker room after a loss, but these guys – I have no doubt in my mind that they poured everything into the preparation. Just frustrated. We can’t get over the hump.”

The most recent edition of the Third Saturday in October was a street fight – a rough, gritty game filled with penalties, dropped passes and two fanbases who truly hate each other. Tennessee intercepted Jalen Milroe’s final pass to seal their second win over the Crimson Tide in 15 years. Now with a pair of conference losses, Alabama will need to win out to have a chance at the newly-expanded College Football Playoff.

How it happened

After failing to connect on a number of chances early, Vols quarterback Nico Iamaleava connected on a deep pass to Dont’e Thornton Jr. for 55 yards – which after a short run gave Tennessee the lead. They briefly retook the lead, but not for long.

Much like the rest of Alabama’s games after the first half of the Georgia game, Alabama’s defense fell apart after halftime. Tennessee would score all 24 of their points in the second half. Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack’s “swarm D” had a stellar first half, forcing three turnovers and holding the Vols scoreless, but the offense failed to score a single point off the turnovers.

“We just can’t mesh right now the offense and defense together and play great team football,” DeBoer said. “There’s time where we’ve got to be able to separate ourselves and have that killer instinct, and right now, we don’t do that.”

Jalen Milroe continued his midseason slump, finishing Saturday’s game 25-45 with 2 interceptions to 1 touchdown.

Penalty party

Penalties played a major role in Saturday’s contest, as both teams combined for 26 penalties. Tennessee finished the game with 11 flags for 95 yards, while Alabama was penalized 15 times for 115 yards.

“Yeah it’s a bit of everything,” DeBoer said when asked about what led to the excess of penalties.

“We can’t kill ourselves like that… You can’t win a football game when you have mistakes like we had out there and all the penalties.”

Moving forward

Alabama falls to 5-2 (2-2 SEC) with Saturday’s 24-17 loss, likely putting them on the bubble of the College Football Playoff even if they were to win out. They’ll return home 10/26 to play Missouri, who will head to Tuscaloosa off a comeback win over Auburn.

The game is set to kick at 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC.