“You know what Saturday night is, don’t you?”
My mother was telling me about plans she made with my aunt and uncle for Saturday. I don’t believe she could care less about football, but around here, it’s a big event regardless. Folks across Tennessee and Alabama mark their calendars. In my case, family gathers, and we all sit down for a rivalry known simply as “The Third Saturday in October.” Now, that’s obviously complicated this year, as the game is taking place on the fourth Saturday in October, but hey, who wants to argue semantics?
The point is that longstanding rivals the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers will meet on the gridiron for the 104th time on Saturday night. Alabama leads the series 57-38-8. But, Alabama is currently on the longest winning streak in the series history having won 14 in a row. This is also the longest winning streak for either team since this rivalry began all the way back in 1901. Victory cigars, Robert Neyland, Bear Bryant, Johnny Majors upsetting Bear Bryant in his final trip to Knoxville in 1982, Rocky Block in 2009, Nick Saban, Derrick Henry quelling an upset from Joshua Dobbs and company in 2015 – all great moments, great traditions, great figures in the grand history of college football have all been involved in this game. And, that’s exactly what the history of these two programs boils down to – greatness.
It was traditionally a rivalry of greatness – Alabama was the perennial powerhouse of the SEC in the early 1900s, but an upstart named Robert Neyland came along and began pushing Alabama for that top spot in the conference. Ever since, it’s been one of college football’s premiere contests each season. And, for me – it’s about that history. It’s about taking a moment to look back at the history of this sport, its greatest moments, and what it means to me – the bonding with family, the celebrations, the sheer entertainment value, the pomp and circumstance that goes with it. Regardless of the outcome, it’s probably my favorite game of the year. And, I never get into the mudslinging between fan bases for this one – this one’s not about hatred. It’s about respect.
According to the oddsmakers, this year’s game isn’t expected to be close or thrilling in the slightest. Alabama is favored by 24.5 points in Tuscaloosa, and it’s easy to see why when you look at the way Bryce Young and this Tide offense is moving the ball this season. But, what’s the old cliché? “You throw out the records when these two teams play.” I think there’s a path for a Vols upset on Saturday – one thing we’ve noticed about this Tide team is that the defense is nowhere near what we’ve come to expect out of a Saban coached squad. Not to mention, Saban’s team has struggled against mobile quarterbacks and up-tempo offenses in the past. So, if the Vols can push the tempo and keep Alabama on its heels, maybe they have a shot. A lot of that will depend on whether or not Hendon Hooker plays. Nonetheless, Josh Heupel has these Vols ahead of schedule. I don’t know that it’s time to start calling for a “signature win” type of moment for him just yet, but from the looks of things, he’ll get there one day.
The Third Saturday In October will once again, whether Tide fans care to admit it or not, be a rivalry of greatness one day.
Whether you’re an Alabama fan, a Tennessee fan, or simply a college football fan that enjoys the nostalgia that such rivalries stir up in us – enjoy. And in the event that you are a Tide fan like me, let’s hope we get to fire those victory cigars up on Saturday night.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network, and a Dogs Playing Poker on velvet connoisseur. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD, #BeBetter, and ‘Minds right, asses tight.’ “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, Yankee Candle, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley.
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