National media pundits have interesting things to say about Alabama and Tennessee this week. Maybe it’s the rivalry, maybe it’s a better matchup, who knows. Here is some of the chatter:

Jon Solomon of CBS argues Auburn is Alabama’s biggest rival. However, his article is much more fascinating than such a declaration. He interviewed three different sources close to Alabama and finds the rivalries at Alabama have shifted over time. Before the SEC added East and West divisions, Tennessee was at the top. Part of this is because the rivalry between Alabama and Auburn was postponed for years because it was so fierce. With the addition of conference divisions, Tennessee looked more toward Florida, and Alabama looked more toward Auburn. Solomon believes that while Tennessee is more relevant, the Iron Bowl is the unquestioned top rivalry.

Greg Ostendorf of ESPN looks at what was going on in football the last time Tennessee beat Alabama back in 2006. Nick Saban was stuck with a miserable Dolphins team that lost 34-24 to Green Bay, in part due to three Joey Harrington interceptions. Former Volunteer Peyton Manning led the Indianapolis Colts to a win against Washington, later leading the Colts to a Super Bowl win. Former Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford was named SEC Freshman of the Week by leading the Bulldogs to a 27-24 win against Mississippi State.

The Tuscaloosa News’ Aaron Suttles rounds up the latest injury reports. Top Tennessee defensive players Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Cam Sutton are out, Danny O’Brien has been dismissed, Darrin Kirkland is a game-time decision and Jalen Hurd is expected to play. Meanwhile, Reuben Foster is nearing toward returning and Alphonse Taylor is doubtful. Lester Cotton has gotten reps at practice in Taylor’s absence.

The Knoxville News Sentinel’s John Adams believes this may be Lane Kiffin’s farewell to Neyland Stadium. Adams says Kiffin is bound to get a head coaching offer elsewhere, and his departure would be welcomed by Volunteers fans. It was unexpected after being fired by USC that he landed at Alabama as the offensive coordinator, and he has done well in the role, so Tennessee won’t miss him if he should leave.

The fine folks at ESPN Stats and Information look at the difference between first-half Tennessee and second-half Tennessee. Before halftime, Tennessee is averaging just 9.7 points. However, after halftime, the team is averaging 24.2 points, good for sixth in the nation. Tennessee also has a minus-6 first-half turnover ratio, while the number turns into a plus-3 turnover margin in the second half.

Rainer Sabin of AL.com has a feature on Alabama receiver Gehrig Dieter. More than a year has passed since Dieter had a big individual game against Tennessee, ultimately a 59-30 loss while Dieter was still attending Bowling Green. Dieter had 7 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown in that game. Dieter has seen a more limited role at Alabama, although some of that is attributed to Dieter still learning the playbook, according to Saban.

CBS’ Gary Danielson says Alabama has three of the top 10 pass-rushers in the SEC. He lists Tim Williams, Jonathan Allen and Ryan Anderson as the team’s three best pass-rushers. Danielson says Tennessee can challenge Alabama’s defense with a strong game from Alvin Kamara, who he calls “the top back in the league right now.”