By : Ethan Horner
(Photo/Sabri Haidar-The Mojo Network)
This weekend, the Alabama Crimson Tide will travel to Neyland stadium to take on the Tennessee Volunteers in one of college football's most storied and heated rivalries. Known as the "Third Saturday in October," this matchup has traditionally been a benchmark for both programs, with deep history and passionate fan bases on both sides.
Alabama enters the matchup with a 5-1 record, with their lone loss coming in a surprising upset against Vanderbilt. The Crimson Tide also narrowly escaped with a win last week against the South Carolina Gamecocks, signaling that while the team has shown resilience, they’ve faced some challenges this season. Their ability to close out games will be crucial as they face a high-powered Tennessee offense that can put pressure on defenses quickly. Alabama will need to clean up any mistakes and play with greater consistency to avoid another scare, especially against a team as strong as the Volunteers.
The Crimson Tide will be led by Heisman hopeful quarterback Jalen Milroe, who has been a standout performer this season. Milroe's ability to extend plays with both his arm and legs has been key to Alabama’s success, making him a dual-threat that opposing defenses have struggled to contain. His dynamic playmaking will be crucial as Alabama looks to keep pace with Tennessee’s high-powered offense. Milroe has consistently stepped up in big moments, and a strong performance in this rivalry game could further elevate his Heisman campaign.
Tennessee will look to establish their ground game early, relying on running back Dylan Sampson to set the tone. If Sampson can get rolling, it will ease the pressure on freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava. Alabama’s defense has struggled at times against offenses that can balance the run and pass, so the Volunteers will aim to keep them off-balance. By opening up the run, Iamaleava can operate more comfortably, using play-action and avoiding predictable passing situations, which could make the difference in this rivalry game.
Tennessee comes into this game with a 5-1 record, their only loss coming against Arkansas. The Volunteers are riding the momentum of a narrow overtime win against the Florida Gators last week. Despite the close call, Tennessee has shown resilience and grit, but they’ll need to clean up any mistakes as they face a tough Alabama team. A strong start, especially in establishing their run game, will be essential to control the pace and give freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava the best chance for success.
This game carries massive implications for both the College Football Playoff and the SEC Championship. With each team sitting at 5-1 and facing tough schedules ahead, the loser of this game will have a steep uphill battle to recover in the race for the SEC title. Both Alabama and Tennessee are aware of the high stakes—this is essentially a must-win game in October, with championship dreams hanging in the balance.
The pressure is on, and the storylines surrounding this matchup make it one to remember. From Alabama’s new leadership under Kalen DeBoer and the rise of Jalen Milroe, to Tennessee’s high-powered offense led by freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava and running back Dylan Sampson, everything points to a clash that could define both teams' seasons. The added intensity of a storied rivalry only raises the stakes further. It has all the makings of an unforgettable showdown.