Tennessee ended 11 years of frustration against Alabama by pulling out to a 2 TD lead in the 4^th quarter and withstanding a savage Crimson Tide comeback bid. Mike Terry's interception in the end zone snuffed out the fire for Alabama with 17 seconds left. Over that 11 year period('71 through 2 games in the '82 season), Alabama was 71-4 in the SEC.

Alabama entered into the game ranked #2 and was coming off a victory over another national power, Penn St., a week earlier. Tennessee was coming off an inspiring tie in Baton Rouge with LSU, 24-24. Through most of the first half, it appeared the Tide would routinely chalk up a twelfth straight decision over the Vols, who were victory starved in a series that was dead even prior to the 11 game streak. But when Willie Gault hauled in an Alan Cockrell pass for a 52-yard TD midway through the second period, the Vols began to gain the confidence that would help bring victory.

Gault set a new SEC record for career kickoff and punt return yardage. Cockrell completed 18 of 29 passes for 192 yards and two TDs. Tailback Chuck Coleman slithered for 139 yards and the 4^th period score that provided the Vols' two-TD cushion with 7:21 left.

The game marked the last time Coach Bryant would coach in Neyland Stadium, and the last season of his career before passing on in early '83.

View Game Highlight: The Streak Ends!