The win ended Tennessee’s 15-game losing streak to the Crimson Tide and was the Vols’ first victory over Alabama with Nick Saban as head coach.
Tennessee opened a 28-10 lead before the Crimson Tide pulled to within, 28-20, by halftime.
Alabama rallied to take a 35-34 lead by the end of the third quarter, setting the stage for a thrilling final 15 minutes.
The Crimson Tide led 49-42 after Dallas Turner recovered a Vols’ fumble and returned it for an 11-yard touchdown with 7 minutes, 49 seconds remaining in the game.
Tennessee would respond when Hendon Hooker completed a 13-yard touchdown pass to Jalin Hyatt with 3:26 remaining to make it, 49-49.
The Crimson Tide had a chance to win, but Will Reichard missed a potential game-winning 50-yard field goal attempt with 21 seconds remaining.
Hooker then completed a pair of passes to move the ball to the Alabama 24-yard line, setting the stage for McGrath’s heroics.
Hyatt tied a school record with five touchdown receptions.
He finished with six receptions for 207 yards.
Hooker completed 21-of-30 passing attempts for 385 yards and five touchdowns.
He recorded one interception.
Princeton Fant and Jabari Small had rushing scores for the Vols.