Alabama is facing its toughest test of the season up to this point — as it travels north to face the No. 9 Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville.

There’s a somewhat underrated rivalry between both teams. This especially holds true this season — as both figure to potential square off versus one another in Atlanta for the SEC Title Game.  It’s something head coach Nick Saban touched upon during a Wednesday presser.

“It’s tough to make comparisons but this one has some tradition to it, said Saban. “I know it means a lot to our fans and our players. Tennessee has a great team and that adds to it.”

The inevitable sea of orange and white — coupled with the deafening sound — is something Crimson Tide true freshman signal-caller Jalen Hurts will have to be prepared for. Hand-signals will likely be installed to compensate for the expected atmosphere. Not only that, but the came could ultimately come down to Hurts making the right reads and smart decisions.

“[Hurts] has to be a field general out there, no matter if he’s running or throwing,” said Saban. “This will be the most challenging situation he has faced this season.”

Saban then spoke in more general teams. Remember, Alabama went down by three scores on the road earlier this season against Ole Miss — before mounting a furious comeback. Surely, Saban will want the Crimson Tide to avoid the deficit in this contest:

“Some of our teams have played very well on the road, some have struggled. The two road SEC games we have had this year have been about consistency. You cannot relax when you are on the road. It’s about one play at a time. 21-point lead has been overcome a lot this year. Can’t look at the scoreboard, have to keep grinding.”