Zabien Brown sends fans into a frenzy with a Pick-6 at halftime
Zabien Brown’s 99-yard interception return late in the first half sent Bryant-Denny Stadium into a frenzy on Saturday. Alabama football rode that momentum to a 37-20 victory over Tennessee in the latest chapter in the storied rivalry.
The play came in the final moments of the half when Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar’s pass toward the end zone fell into the hands of Brown, who sprinted untouched the other way to put the Tide up 23-7. The momentum, which was game-to-game momentum for the Volunteers, turned what could have been a two-possession halftime deficit into a three-point hole and completely changed the tone of the game.
Ty Simpson paced Alabama’s offense, completing 19 of 29 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns. Simpson orchestrated two long touchdown runs and did enough with his arm and feet to keep Tennessee off balance while the Crimson Tide defense stepped up when it mattered.
Tennessee did not go down quietly. Running back DeSean Bishop ripped the Tide for 123 yards and two touchdowns, and Joey Aguilar finished with 268 passing yards, a touchdown and an interception that Brown returned. Still, the Volunteers couldn’t overcome the sudden momentum at the half or the Crimson Tide’s ability to convert at key moments in the second half.
Alabama’s defense turned in its most complete performance of the season, holding one of the nation’s most explosive offenses well below normal and forcing turnovers that the Tide turned into points. Special teams and situational defense, limited by Brown’s return, gave Alabama the breathing room it needed during the fourth quarter.
Victory keeps Alabama rolling through a rugged SEC gauntlet and adds another notch to his resume as the season winds down. For Tennessee, Saturday offered lessons in finishing and situational awareness.
2025-10-19 04:37:00
