Tennessee and Alabama football square off on Saturday for what will be the 100th contest between the two programs.
The Crimson Tide own the all-time series, having won 54 times to the Volunteers’ 37 victories. There have also been eight ties between the two.
It’s been all Alabama this decade, with Nick Saban’s squad going a perfect 7-0 from 2010 through 2016. The last Tennessee win? In 2006, three months before Saban was announced as Alabama’s head coach.
The Tennessee-Alabama rivalry, better known as the Third Saturday in October, will again be played on the third Saturday of October for the second consecutive season. Prior to 1992, the game was always scheduled for that date, but following SEC realignment they pit it as close at possible.
Here are three bold predictions for the contest.
3. Tennessee gets overwhelmed early
The Volunteers stroll in to Tuscaloosa, Ala., with a a 3-3 record following a 15-9 loss against South Carolina — a game they were leading at halftime. The rumor mill is in full swing in Knoxville, with many voicing concerns about head coach Butch Jones’ future with the program.
With the Crimson Tide on the schedule, things aren’t looking too promising for the Volunteers. Tennessee’s lost two consecutive games at Neyland Stadium though, so a trip out of town might be just what the Volunteers need.
And if not, maybe it’ll be a perfect place for Tennessee to relieve Jones of his coaching duties.
Jones is 33-24 during his five years at the helm of the program, posting back-to-back 9-4 seasons heading into 2017. But with three losses already on the books, Jones needs an inspired performance from his group to remain employed.