Butch Jones Calls Tennessee-Alabama Rivalry Best In SEC

Oct 26, 2013; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Christion Jones (22) returns the ball up the field against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The best rivalry in the SEC is a topic that’s often a heated debated.

For some, it’s Alabama-Auburn. For others, it’s Florida-Georgia.

But for Butch Jones, there’s no doubt — it’s Alabama- Tennessee.

Jones, during an appearance on 105.1 the Zone in Chattanooga on Monday, responded to a question about the SEC preserving the “Third Saturday in October”.

"Jones: Absolutely, because it’s part of our football program and the great tradition we have here. I think the Alabama-Tennessee rivalry is one of the best rivalries in the country. I think it’s the best rivalry in the Southeastern Conference. To be able to maintain that rivalry is something that we are very excited about."

There’s no doubt it’s a historic rivalry, but as of late the term rivalry has been applied loosely.

Tennessee hasn’t won a game in the series since 2006 when Phillip Fulmer was the head coach.

The closest the Vols have come to winning since then was in 2009 when Terrance Cody famously blocked Daniel Lincoln’s field goal to preserve Bama’s victory over Lane Kiffin’s Volunteers, 12-10.

Jones has said in the past that Tennessee has to be more competitive to make this a true rivalry again. He’s not shying away from that with his comments on Monday. It’s clear he wants to the opportunity to continue playing Alabama.

Despite what Steve Spurrier may think, the Vols are quite happy to continue their yearly series with the Crimson Tide.

It’s hard to imagine an October where Tennessee and Alabama don’t take the field against each other.