Notes From Win Over Vols

A 41-17 Alabama win over Tennessee made everyone in Crimson happy, but the offense probably is happiest of all. Bama gained 510 total yards and did not allow a quarterback sack. The 510 was second best for Bama this year and the most in an SEC game since 2002 against Arkansas.

Alabama had very good success on first downs, averaging 7.9 yards. The Tide ran 36 first down plays for 286 yards. Quarterback John Parker Wilson completed 13 of 18 passes on first downs for 170 yards and ran three times for 19 yards. Seven completions of 10 or more yards came on first down plays. Terry Grant had the longest run of the day by either team, 26 yards, and it came on first down.

D.J. Hall, who has set Alabama records for most receiving yards in a season (last year) and continues to add to his records as Alabama’s all-time career leader in receptions (now 177) and yards (now 2,682). He leads the team with 50 catches for 764 yards and five touchdowns.

Against Tennessee he set a new Alabama record for catches in a game with 13. His 185 receiving yards was his best ever, though not an Alabama record.

With two touchdown recptions he now has 16 for his career, tied with Ozzie Newsome for second behind Dennis Homan, who has the career Bama record with 16.

The Alabama offensive production in the romp over Tennessee included a season-high 363 yards passing, all by Wilson. He also had new season highs for pass completions (32, which tied the Alabama record held by Gary Hollingsworth, set against Tennessee in 1989) and Bama had new season highs for offensive plays (84) and points (41).

Hall extended his steak of games with a reception to 27. He extended his school record for 100-yard receiving games to 13 (including three against Tennessee, 139 in 2005 and 102 last year).

It was Wilson’s sixth career day in which he passed for more than 250 yards and his second 300-yard day.

Wilson, a junior, now ranks fourth in Alabama career history for pass attempts (689), completions (396), and is fifth in yardage (4,681).

Tailback Terry Grant had 26 carries for 104 yards and a touchdown and now has set Tide records for rushing yards by a freshman (697) and rushing attempts by a freshman (127). He has seven rushing touchdowns, one more than the previous Alabama record of six by a freshman (set by Shaun Alexander in 1996).

Freshman Kareem Jackson’s two interceptions marked the first time an Alabama player has had two interceptions in a game since Simeon Castille did it against Tennessee last year.

Leigh Tiffin had a career best day with his four field goals. He had three previous games in which he kicked three field goals. On Saturday he made kicks of 39, 20, 42, and 44 (his longest of the season) yards. He missed a 49-yard try.

The point total is the most for an Alabama team in a non-overtime SEC game since the Tide ran 83 plays for 516 yards in a 2001 game against Arkansas.

The 24-point margin of victory was the largest of the season, as was the 37:38 time of possession.

For the first time since the season-opener, Alabama had no turnovers.

The six wins on the season (Bama is 6-2) makes Alabama bowl eligible.

Alabama started the game with an on-sides kick, the first time Bama has used that tactic since the Oklahoma game of 2002.

The first news of the day was about as it could get for Alabama. The University announced just before kickoff that five Crimson Tide players had been suspended for the game “for a violation of institutional policy involving impermissible receipt of textbooks.”

The suspended included three who have been regular offensive starters, including one of Bama’s best, offensive lineman Antoine Caldwell. Also suspended were starting right guard Marlon Davis, tailback Glen Coffee, and defensive backs/special teams players Marquis Johnson and Chris Rogers.

The release from the athletics depatment said the infraction was discovered Thursday and the school “immediately initiated an inquiry that is ongoing. The student-athletes were informed of the suspensions on Friday.” It said further details would be released later.

One source said the players had taken books that are part of their scholarship benefits and had sold them, which is not permitted.

Captains for Saturday’s game were defensive end Wallace Gilberry, linebacker Keith Saunders, and wide receiver D.J. Hall.

Honorary captains were former Tide standouts linebacker Antonio London and safety Kermit Kendrick.

Freshman middle linebacker Rolando McClain was back in the starrting lineup for the Tide after having been out the past two games.

Alabama switched cornerbacks with Lionel Mitchell playing left cornerback and Kareem Jackson on the right side.