Know Your Enemy: Alabama Crimson Tide
By Zach Ragan
Oct 19, 2013; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide mascot Big Al celebrates a touchdown int he stands against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Who: Alabama Crimson Tide — Tuscaloosa, AL
Distance From Knoxville: 314 miles
Head coach: Nick Saban (7th year, 70-13)
Conference: SEC
2013 Record: 7-0 (4-0)
Ranking: AP #1/USA Today #1
All time series: Alabama leads 50-38-7
Last meeting: Alabama won in Knoxville last season, 44-13
Leading Passer: AJ McCarron — 1,587 yards, 14 TD
Leading Rusher: TJ Yeldon — 657 yards, 7 TD
Leading Receiver: DeAndrew White — 300 yards, 3 TD
Alabama is in the midst of the one of the greatest runs in the modern era of college football.
The Crimson Tide have won three of the past four national championships, including the past two.
Their run of dominance has coincided with the arrival of Nick Saban in 2007.
Saban, the former head coach of the LSU Tigers and the Miami Dolphins, has proved to be one of the greatest college coaches in history.
Alabama appears to be on their way to yet another SEC championship game appearance this season, even though they haven’t looked like their typical dominant selves.
Last week, against Arkansas, Alabama dominated from start to finish, but the Razorbacks are far from the class of the SEC.
Teams like Ole Miss and Virginia Tech revealed some offensive weaknesses from Alabama.
In addition to some issues on offense, Texas A&M exposed the Tide’s defense in what amounted to a shootout that was eventually won by Alabama.
Of course Alabama is still the number one team in the nation and they’re heavily favored over the Vols, as you’d expect.
Tennessee, who hasn’t won in Tuscaloosa since 2003, will be looking to end a six game losing streak to the Tide.
ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit put Alabama on upset alert this week.
The Vols may be a long shot, but according to some they at least have a shot.
Sometimes that’s all you need.