1951 Tennessee-Alabama football: First televised event in SEC history

Tennessee football defeated Alabama, 27-13, on October 20, 1951 at Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama. 44,000 were available.

The matchup was the first televised event in SEC history (NBC).

The Crisson Tide, coached by fifth-year head coach Harold Drew, led 7-0 after Bobby Merlow scored on a 1-yard run. The Vols tied the game in the second quarter after Hank Lauricella completed a 20-yard pass to Bert Rechichar.

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The game was tied, 7-7, at halftime.

In the third quarter, Tennessee led 14-7 after Dick Ernsberger scored on a 3-yard touchdown run. Tennessee extended its advantage to, 21-7, on a 35-yard run by Lauricella, who would finish as a runner for the Heisman Trophy.

Marlow’s second touchdown run pulled Alabama to within 21-13, before the Vols ended the scoring on a 20-yard pass from Herky Payne to Vince Kaseta.

Lauricella completed 9-of-16 passing attempts for 113 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He also had 122 yards rushing and one touchdown on 15 attempts.

Tennessee finished its 1951 season with a 10-1 record (5-0 SEC) and won the national championship under coach Robert Neyland.

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DeSean Bishop (18) and Jesse Perry (72). Tennessee Volunteers football vs. Auburn Tigers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on Oct. 3.

(Dan Harrison/Vols Wire)

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This article first appeared on Vols Wire: 1951 Tennessee-Alabama football: First televised event in SEC history

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