Alabama-Tennessee is one of the most heated rivalries in college football, even though it’s been lopsided in recent years. The Crimson Tide have won the last nine straight games against the Volunteers in this series. The last time UT was able to get a win was in 2006, when Mike Shula was still the Tide’s head coach.
Alabama vs. Tennessee 2016: Start time, live TV schedule, and 3 things to know
Alabama has a chance to make it 10 straight wins over Tennessee on Saturday.
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Although the series hasn’t gone Tennessee’s way recently, that doesn’t mean this game won’t be entertaining. The Vols managed to come from behind and win their first four games this season, facing early two-score deficits against Appalachian State, Virginia Tech, Florida, and Georgia. They were able to come back and win all four of those games.
Last week against Texas A&M, the Vols trailed by 21 points in the third quarter, but they scored four touchdowns in the second half, forcing the game into overtime. Tennessee’s luck finally ran out in double overtime, and the Aggies won 45-38.
Even if Alabama manages to get a big lead early, don’t expect Tennessee to go down without a fight.
How to watch, stream, and listen
TV: 3:30 p.m. (ET), CBS. Verne Lundquist and Gary Danielson will be on the call, with Allie LaForce on the sidelines.
Online streaming: Saturday’s game can be streamed through CBSSports.com.
Spread: Alabama is currently a 9-point favorite.
Make friends: Get to SB Nation’s team blog chats for this game at Roll Bama Roll for Alabama fans and Rocky Top Talkfor Tennessee fans.
Three big things to know
1. Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin will be back in Knoxville: The Alabama assistant isn’t thought of too fondly by Tennessee fans. Most of that is due to Kiffin bolting as UT’s head coach after just one season in 2009 to take the USC job. Kiffin’s first return to Neyland Stadium was in 2014, when his offense put up 34 points in a 14-point victory.
2. Tennessee’s defense is led by Derek Barnett: The junior defensive end Barnett has 42½ tackles for loss on his career, along with 22 sacks. He has had 2½ tackles for loss and a sack in his two games against the Tide. Alabama has allowed 10 sacks so far this season.
3. Tennessee had costly turnovers last week: Vol quarterback Josh Dobbs had two interceptions, and Tennessee lost another three fumbles. Alabama, meanwhile, has returned four fumbles and three interceptions for touchdowns through six games this season. The Vols can’t afford to have costly turnovers this week against the Tide.
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