Tennessee dominates as Alabama suffers first back-to-back regular-season losses in nearly two decades

The latest edition of the third Saturday in October rivalry was highlighted by a pair of upsets in the Southeastern Conference.

Unranked Auburn capitalized on a late fumble by Georgia and kicked a game-winning field goal as time expired to knock off the top-ranked Bulldogs in the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry. It marked the second consecutive week that the nation’s No. 1 team had suffered a loss. Oklahoma knocked off then-top ranked Texas in Week 6.

Shortly after Auburn’s upset, one-loss Tennessee celebrated a 26-10 win over No. 6 Alabama.

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Dejuan Lane (10) of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates after recovering the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half at Neyland Stadium on Oct. 17, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Camden Hall/Getty Images)

Tennessee running back DeSean Bishop rushed for 159 yards and two touchdowns as the Volunteers handed the Crimson Tide its second consecutive loss. Alabama hasn’t dropped back-to-back regular season games since 2007.

Tennessee relied on a stout defense and the steady play of quarterback George MacIntyre to win their third straight game. Alabama had just 201 yards of total offense, including 54 rushing, and turned the ball over four times.

Tennessee Volunteers quarterback George MacIntyre (12) warms up before a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, on Oct. 17, 2026. (Camden Hall/Getty Images)

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Alabama entered its trip to Neyland Stadium already knowing it would be without leading receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams, who recently underwent arthroscopic knee surgery to repair a meniscus injury.

Crimson Tide quarterback Keelon Russell threw for 147 yards and scored the only touchdown on a 19-yard run. Alabama lost two fumbles, and Russell threw two interceptions.

Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell (12) celebrates his touchdown against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half at Neyland Stadium on Oct. 17, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee (Camden Hall/Getty Images)

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Tennessee led 12-10 at halftime after both offenses struggled. The teams combined for five turnovers and were 3 of 17 in third-down conversions.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.