There isn’t a rivalry in college football that typifies autumn more than Alabama-Tennessee, which takes place this weekend inside Neyland Stadium in Knoxville.
The series that has spanned 104 meetings is referred to as “The Third Saturday in October,” often when fall foliage can be at its zenith around the Southeastern Conference’s 11-state footprint. Even the clashing colors of the two schools, crimson and orange, can resemble a backyard leaf pile.
Of course, there has been a lot more crimson recently, as Alabama has won 15 consecutive series meetings entering Saturday’s showdown. All 15 victories have transpired in the Nick Saban era that has produced six national championships, while Tennessee counterpart Josh Heupel will give it a second try after losing last year’s game 52-24 in Tuscaloosa.
“When you talk to different Tennessee fans, different generations and different people have who they think their biggest rival is,” Heupel said earlier this week. “I think that’s one of the unique things here, but Alabama is obviously a big one for everybody. This means a lot to our fan base, and obviously it means a lot to us inside this program, too.
“We’ve worked to this point to have this type of setting inside of Neyland Stadium, and we’re excited about that opportunity.”