Tennessee football botched a key punt return just before halftime while leading 12-7 over Alabama at Neyland Stadium on Oct. 17.
The Vols had come up with another quick stop against the Alabama offense and forced a punt. Alex Asparuhov punted 46 yards to the Tennessee 23-yard line and Qua Moss let it bounce, then roll. Freshman linebacker Brayden Rouse initially lunged at the ball to down it, then pulled back.
But he ended up stumbling into the ball anyway and the Crimson Tide recovered deep in Tennessee territory.
0 IQ play here by Tennessee 💀 pic.twitter.com/Woagc55fti
— SleeperCFB (@SleeperCFB) October 17, 2026
The muffed punt didn't end up costing the Vols. DeJuan Lane recovered a fumble on fourth down, Alabama's third turnover of the first half, to protect the Tennessee lead.
A similar play happened in the 2022 edition of the Third Saturday in October, but it was Alabama who made the special teams error.
Quandarrius Robinson touched a bouncing Tennessee punt to make it a live ball. Tennessee recovered cashed in the miscue during its 52-49 win over the Crimson Tide on Oct. 15, 2022.
The Vols are seeking their third straight home win vs. Alabama in the 109th playing of the Third Saturday in October.
Stephen Thompson covers Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball. Email him at stephen.thompson@knoxnews.com and follow him on X @stephenethom.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee football commits special teams error, botched punt return vs Alabama