Tennessee football has played Alabama 10 other times with both teams in top 10
![Oct 23, 1999; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jamal Lewis (31) leaping into the end zone against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports Oct 23, 1999; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jamal Lewis (31) leaping into the end zone against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/48e8ff546d42008362ef32ee159dfbbe85b7d7467fa9b50fbd96b87dd2d62479.jpg)
17. 829. 10. 839. Final
Oct. 21, 1972
A year before that 1973 showdown, this one was much more epic, and it was part of a duo of heartbreaks that cost Tennessee football the SEC and potentially national championship this year. Condredge Holloway was in his first year starting, and heading into this game, he had the Vols at 4-1 and ranked No. 10.
The only blemish for UT was a heartbreaking 10-6 loss to Auburn thanks to four turnovers. However, they had beaten the No. 6 ranked Penn State Nittany Lions earlier, so they were a good team, and the SEC Championship was still in play for this one.
Alabama came to town defending national champions after Bear Bryant rolled out the wishbone the year before. They started the year ranked No. 7 but roared off to a 5-0 start, and heading into Knoxville for this game, they were ranked No. 3 in the nation.
In one of the most heartbreaking losses in the history of the series for UT, Alabama trailed 10-3 with two minutes left. They tied it at 10 to cap off a 48-yard drive. Then Holloway fumbled on the next drive, and Alabama scored on the first play after that to secure a 17-10 win. This is one Vol fans from that time want to forget.