Sampson scores twice, Iamaleava overcomes early struggles in Tennessee's 24-17 victory over Alabama

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- , Cigars were lit and goalposts came down as thousands of fans celebrated No. 11 Tennessee's 24-17 victory over No. 7 Alabama Saturday. Chris Brazzell II made a diving 16-yard touchdown catch from Nico Iamaleava midway through the fourth quarter to give the Volunteer defense a 21-17 lead to work with. Dylan Sampson rushed for 139 yards and two touchdowns for the Volunteers (6-1, 3-1 Southeastern Conference). The victory keeps Tennessee in the hunt for a College Football Playoff spot. “(That's how) they've played all year,” Tennessee coach Josh Heupel said of his defense. “How they played tonight kept us in the ballgame when, offensively, we were a little bit off.” Sampson has rushed for at least 100 yards in all but one game this season, and his 17 TDs rank second in FBS. “(Sampson) sparked it,” Heupel said.