Nick Saban - Alabama's defense 'too soft' late in loss to Tennessee

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Alabama coach Nick Saban said his defense played «too soft» late in the game when it allowed Tennessee to drive the ball 45 yards in 13 seconds and set up a walk-off field goal to win the game, 52-49.

Tennessee fans rushed the field and tore down both goal posts after Chase McGrath's 40-yard field goal, and Saban had to be escorted into the visitor's locker room by multiple police officers.

It was the most points Alabama had allowed (52) and the most penalties ever committed (17) during Saban's tenure.

«Very disappointed in the loss,» Saban said. «We didn't answer the bell today. Obviously, there's a lot of work to be done. Way too many penalties. Gave up explosive plays. Had a major error on special teams that was totally unnecessary and led to a score on their part.

»You have to give them a lot of credit. They did a nice job with their offense.… But we didn't execute well enough."

Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, who missed last week's game against Texas A&M with shoulder soreness, started and threw for 455 yards and two touchdowns. He said his arm felt «fine.»

«It was great to be out there with my teammates,» he said. «I love the game and I love them, so that was great. But at the end of the day, we lost.»

Alabama came back from down 28-10 early and held a 7-point lead with 7:49 left in the game. Tennessee then scored 10 unanswered points.

Saban said that Young played «really well» but «we didn't get it done on defense when we had the chance.»

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker completed 21 of 30 passes for 385 yards and five touchdowns — all of which went to Jalin Hyatt, who set a school record with five touchdown receptions.

But no completions were bigger than Hooker's 18- and 27-yard passes that