VOLS GAME IN BITS & PIECES

SATURDAY’s STAR

Tennessee graduate transfer quarterback Keller Chryst turned in a stellar performance after relieving injured Jarrett Guarantano in the second quarter. Chryst promptly led a pair of scoring drives capped by touchdown throws. His pinpoint accuracy helped the Vols make the score respectable, at least for a while.

SATURDAY’s STAT

Ty Chandler became the first Tennessee running back ever to catch touchdown passes in three consecutive games when he hauled in a 10-yard scoring toss from Chryst in the second quarter. Chandler expressed this past week his admiration for versatile former Vol and current New Orleans Saints star Alvin Kamara. It shows.

TURNING POINT

Alabama safety Xavier McKinney blasted Guarantano as he prepared to throw on third down of the Vols’ opening series. The hit forced a fumble that the Tide’s Christian Miller recovered at Tennessee’s 3-yard line. The Tide already led 7-0 and quickly doubled that advantage with 10:35 still remaining in the first quarter.

HIGHLIGHT PLAY

Alabama inflicted two bonecrushing blows on one play in the second quarter when Mack Wilson leveled Guarantano as he let a deep ball fly toward Josh Palmer. Guarantano injured his collarbone. Palmer made the catch, which set up Tennessee’s first score, but Saivion Smith and the ground combined to knock Palmer out of the game.

WHAT IT MEANS

The Vols accumulated some concerning injuries ahead of next week’s trip to play a winnable game at South Carolina. Safety Shawn Shamburger, Guarantano and Palmer each left Saturday’s contest and did not return. Depending on the severity of those injuries, this game may go down as a costly chapter in the season.