Alabama-Tennessee Rivalry An October Tradition

The series dates back to 1901. 

For the most part, since 1928, the tradition has played out on the third Saturday in October. With today's scheduling issues, the game may be on the third or fourth Saturday of the tenth month. Nonetheless, it was a game worth preserving as an annual tradition when the conference split into Western and Eastern conferences in '92.

In 1928, after a 14-year hiatus, play between The Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers resumed. Alabama had recently achieved national recognition after traveling west in 1926 and '27, to take on and defeat the powerhouse programs of Washington and Stanford in consecutive Rose Bowl victories.

The Vols defeated Alabama at Denny Field on Oct. 20, 1928, sending notice to the rest of the country that football in the deep South had truly arrived and the boys in Alabama weren't the only fellas who knew how to play the game. In his excitement, during the post-game interview, Coach Don Neyland famously asked the reporter, "I know we won the game, but what was the score?"

As a player, the Bear competed in three memorable Bama wins from '33 to '35. The first outing unlocked a nine year streak for the Vols on the turf of Shields - Watkins Field. Alabama scored two touchdowns in the second half to spot a win in the Tennessee fortress. In the next edition of the Knoxville News-Sentinel, soprts writer Bob Wilson wrote, "Like a storm that breaks with a wrath of destruction, The Alabama Crimson Tide, which rolled along in the first half, offering nothing more than a serious ripple, quickly turned into a roaring torrent that lashed our with devastating force down through the Tennessee Valley to submerge a courageous Volunteer craft under a 12 - 6 score".

In his second outing, Bryant was ejected for allegedly sucker-punching running back Phil Dickens, breaking his nose. As it later turned out, the punch came from another Alabama player (Bear was 15 yards away from the incident) yet Bryant never let on that he was not involved in the incident. His last game against the Vols is marked by his courageous effort playing with a cracked bone in his leg.

The great Ken Donahue participated in 31 games of this rivalry, from both sidelines; as a player for the Vols ("49-'51) as a Tennessee assistant coach ('56-'60), 21 times as an Alabama assistant ('64-'84), only to return to the Tennessee sidelines as an assistant in '85 and '86.

From year to year, fans travel to the respective school's gridiron, garnered with flags and face paint to observe this memorable battle for bragging rights. Games are televised on grounds outside the stadium so that many who would be locked out of the gates have the opportunity to cheer on their team with vigor. It ain't over 'til the respective fat ladies on both sides of the field are hoarse from repeating the beloved phrases of "Rocky Top" and "Sweet Home Alabama", urging the warriors on the field to battle for every inch of sacred turf and keep the opposition out of the end zone.

The arrival of Nick Saban brought confidence back to the Alabama program and he is slowly rebuilding national credibility for The Capstone.

On the other sideline, the Volunteers are in a state of flux, a period of uncertainty that will be played out in a new season with a young coach, new staff and high expectations. Lane Kiffin has certainly gotten the Vol fans buzzing with anticipation of a balls to the wall effort by the 2009 version of Volunteer Football.

Senior Jonathan Crompton will have to step up his game in '09 to get things started for the offense. Hardesty will provide senior leadership to the backfield. The offensive line is experienced and want desperately to contribute to a season of redemption.

The Tennessee defense is comprised of seasoned veterans at every position with 2V and 3V lettermen from the front line to the secondary. The linebacking corps is short on experience but could be one of the best in the SEC east at season end; all are seniors, led by Rico McCoy (38 solo 49 assists in 2008).

Alabama is poised to contend for the West championship. First-year starter Greg McElroy is a big question mark for everyone except Saban, who repeatedly laudes McElroy for his football IQ, his ability to make the quick read and execute the correct response a particular defensive scheme. GMAC has shown flashes of excellence but game experience is limited as a back up to JPW. Successfully leading the first team offense in the spring A-Day game doesn't necessarily translate into wins against worthy SEC foes.

There are no other questions for the Alabama faithful regarding their team. The backfield, offensive line and entire defense have experience and are determined to improve on the 12-2 record of the 2008 season. Andre Smith has been replaced by a JUCO transfer James Carpenter who is giving full out effort to learn the Alabama system and fill the void at left tackle. He is pushed by the man-child, DJ Fluker, a true freshman who has repeatedly left observers dumbfounded with his speed and agility.

The last two games have gone to Alabama. Two years ago, Saban's first Alabama campaign, the start of the game was overshadowed by a book scandal that left starters Glen Coffee, Antione Caldwell, Marlon Davis, and Marquis Johnson on the sidelines, in street clothes. Saban made adjustments, took the momentum of the game early with a successful opening game onside kick, and never let up on the Vols for a 41-17 victory.

Last year, the Tide rolled into Neyland Stadium and camped in the checkered orange and white end zone for a 29-9 victory, racking up 366 total yard to a paltry 173-yard effort by the Vols.

Prior to 2008, the Vols had been riding high with an 11-3 run. Fulmer had his faults but he had Alabama's number. Hatred for Fulmer intensified with the NCAA investigation and fallout landing Alabama on probation, nearly producing a death sentence for the storied Alabama program. His dismissal by the Tennessee administration after the 2008 season didn't cause the water table to rise in the state of Alabama. He is not a welcomed visitor to the Yellow-hammer state.

On Oct. 24, 2009, the tradition continues. The rivalry is as strong as ever. Although the significance of the result has diminished to some degree with the pollsters and fair weather fans, the die hard expect a win from his team.

Alabama fans would love to see the Tide hand the youthful Lane Kiffin a spot of the Bryant-Denny turf to stuff in his mouth and muffle the overconfident neophyte.

Tennessee fans expect their men to turn back the tide in their favor. Loveable Lance Thompson left the sidelines of CNS to roam with the Vols and Bama fans will give him an ear full on his return to the sacred grounds of the Crimson and White.

This border war remains a highly anticipated event by the Vols and Tiders, alike.