The Alabama defense wasn’t the only thing hitting Saturday night at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa.

When the smoke cleared – literally – one brave soul attempted to run between the lines on the field, which just saw the Alabama Crimson Tide rally from a 20-7, first-quarter deficit to defeat Tennessee 34-20.

It didn’t go well as these things often do.

Jalen Milroe passed for two touchdowns, Jihaad Campbell returned a fumble for a score in the fourth quarter and No. 11 Alabama uncorked 27 straight second-half points in rallying for a win over No. 17 Tennessee. With its national title hopes on the brink, Alabama turned in its most dominant half of the season. And it came against a border rival who had helped end ‘Bama’s championship aspirations a year ago.

The comeback was fueled by big plays from Milroe and tailback Jase McClellan and a defense that smothered Joe Milton III and the Volunteers after the half.

Milroe completed 14 of 21 passes for 220 yards, with a 46-yard touchdown less than a minute into the second half and an earlier 10-yarder to Jermaine Burton. McClellan ran 27 times for 115 yards and a touchdown.

Milton was 28 of 41 for 271 yards — including 175 by the half — and two touchdowns. He also gained 59 rushing after completing his first nine passes.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.