Even though it is not being played on the third Saturday in October this year, the rivalry between Tennessee and Alabama is still one of the October traditions that SEC fans have become accustomed to enjoying.
The Crimson Tide holds a 52-37-8 advantage in the all-time series, and has won the last eight meetings. The last Vols victory came in 2006, which was before Nick Saban resided in Tuscaloosa and Phillip Fulmer was still firmly entrenched as the Tennessee head coach.
Let’s look at how the present day coaching staffs line up for Saturday’s contest:
HEAD COACHES
Nick Saban, Alabama: As the architect of four BCS national championship teams, including three at Alabama, Saban has earned his reputation as one of the best active coaches in college football. His squad, which won the SEC and appeared in the College Football Playoff last season, is 6-1 with the only loss to Ole Miss in Week 3. It appears the Crimson Tide is again on the prowl for another trip to Atlanta. Coming off a huge road win at Texas A&M, Saban will look to continue his winning ways against the Vols.
Butch Jones, Tennessee: The jury is still out on Butch Jones, who is now 15-16 midway through his third season as the Vols’ head coach. Most willingly admit he inherited a dumpster fire from the previous coaching staff, and most also will concede that his recruiting classes have been top-notch. But until last week’s win against Georgia, he was under intense scrutiny for his inability to win close games against top-tier opponents. A win on the road against Alabama would be the type of victory that instantly changes the perception of the direction of the program.
OFFENSIVE STAFFS
Alabama coordinator: Lane Kiffin (QB)
His staff: Burton Burns (RB), Mario Cristobal (OL), Billy Napier (WR), Bobby Williams (TE/ST)
When Alabama has the ball: RB Derrick Henry is coming off a monster performance in the Crimson Tide’s 41-23 at Texas A&M in Week 7. While it seems unlikely he will duplicate his 32-carry effort in back-to-back weeks, it is reasonable to expect Alabama to again rely on the sturdy junior to shoulder the load again this week. QB Jake Coker showed the ability to protect the ball against the Aggies, which should instill confidence in cutting him loose to make decisions in the downfield passing game.
Tennessee coordinator: Mike DeBord (QB)
His staff: Zach Azzanni (WR), Robert Gillespie (RB), Mark Elder (TE/ST), Don Mahoney (OL)
When Tennessee has the ball: The Vols offense is most effective when the coaching staff is able to utilize QB Joshua Dobbs in the running game. Knowing that the Crimson Tide’s stingy front seven is likely to give RB Jalen Hurd trouble, Mike DeBord would be wise to schedule a steady dose of quarterback runs into the gameplan to create the balance necessary to keep the Vols on schedule. The wide receiver unit is going to need to turn in a better performance than it did for much of the first half of the season if the Vols are going to have a chance at creating offensive balance.
DEFENSIVE STAFFS
Alabama coordinator: Kirby Smart (LB)
His staff: Bo Davis (DL), Mel Tucker (DB), Tosh Lupoi (OLB)
When Tennessee has the ball: Like the formula has been for much of the season, the Crimson Tide will look to stuff the Vols rushing attack and turn them into a one-dimensional offense. If Tennessee has to rely on Joshua Dobbs to make throws down the field, then Alabama and Kirby Smart have the Vols right where they want them.
Tennessee coordinator: John Jancek
His staff: Steve Stripling (DL), Willie Martinez (DB), Tommy Thigpen (LB)
When Alabama has the ball: Stopping the run game has to be priority No. 1 for John Jancek’s group. While Jake Coker has shown flashes of being able to make plays down the field, especially to talented freshman WR Calvin Ridley, forcing the senior into an afternoon of passing from the pocket is Tennessee’s best shot at creating the turnovers necessary to pull of the upset.
Nick Cole is a former print journalist with several years of experience covering the SEC. Born and raised in SEC country, he has taken in the game-day experience at all 14 stadiums.
