SEC penalizes Tennessee for fans storming the field at Neyland Stadium after Alabama's upset

The SEC imposed a fine Tennessee $100,000 for his fans who storm the field after the Volunteers' 24-17 victory over No. 7 Alabama on Saturday. The fine follows the SEC Field Storming Policy, implemented in June 2023, which states that fines are owed to the opposing institution.

Tennessee fans had not stormed the field since this new policy was implemented. This is therefore a first-time offence; hence the minimum fine of $100,000. Under the policy, a second violation carries a $250,000 fine and the school must pay $500,000 after the third violation.

If the updated policy hadn't reset schools' crime rates, Tennessee would be digging deeper into its pockets. Volunteer fans also stormed the field when Tennessee beat Alabama in October 2022, tearing down the goal posts and carrying them away from Neyland Stadium.

Even if Tennessee won't be happy with the punishment, it's safe to assume the school won't be sleep-deprived about the additional costs. The Volunteers' win on Saturday had a huge impact on the team's College Football Playoff hopes.

The only remaining ranked opponent in the regular season for Tennessee is Georgia. With the win over Alabama, Tennessee can potentially lose to the Bulldogs and still secure a spot in the 12-team CFP.

More on Tennessee's stunning win

It was a comeback win for the Volunteers on Saturday. They scored all 24 points in the second half after trailing Alabama early. The Volunteers' defense was crucial to the win as they held Alabama to 314 total yards of offense and forced three turnovers.

Especially the Tennessee defender Will Brooks picked up the Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe They sealed the Volunteers' victory with 1:24 minutes left in the fourth quarter. Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel couldn't be prouder of his team.

“This group believes it is really good and if they play together with 11 players and play physical, they would have a chance to be special. And it played really well tonight,” Heupel said after the game. “This team has great confidence. They also know that we need to improve. But at the end of a Saturday night they can look forward to a win, no matter how we got there.

“There were obstacles that we had to overcome and overcome as a program. And as a coaching staff and administration, our players did that in a very special way. Not perfect, but in a very special way. As a program, we needed to improve this year. But I really feel like we’re getting stronger as a program.”