SEC Daily Fever: Bama Hangs On Against Tennessee

We have used the term "survive and advance" several times during league play, and that's just what Alabama (barely) did with their 12-10 victory over Tennessee.

This one came down to field-goal kicking, as the Tide's Leigh Tiffin went 4-4 (including a 49 and 50-yarder) while UT's Daniel Lincoln went 1-4 (with 2 blocked). The Vols actually seemed to beat Bama at their own ball-control style of play, outgaining the Tide 341-256 in yards and winning the time of possession.

In 2006, the Florida Gators blocked two field goals in a 1-point home win against South Carolina, and then went on to win an SEC and National Title. In similar fashion, Alabama kept their league and national goals alive by surviving a late rally by Lane Kiffin's well-prepared club.

In the end, Alabama's BCS hopes stay alive and Tennessee gets their another moral victory against the SEC's best, but UT fans can't be too disappointed.  No team yet has played both Alabama and Florida with the same grit, attitude, and purpose as the Vols have this season.  This seems to bode well for Tennessee long term once they start getting the talent across the roster up to Kiffin's expected standard.

However, another tough team lurks on the horizon for the Tide in two weeks when LSU comes to Tuscaloosa. Nick Saban's bunch will need more offense in two weeks when they face his old team.

Consider the Tide well warned as they head to their bye week still undefeated after a close scare.

Honorable Mention SEC Headlines:

Gators regain AP's top spot

Ole Miss finds offense behind McCluster

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