SEC Nation heading to Rocky Top for Tennessee vs Alabama

We're counting down to the Third Saturday in October, and one college football show has already announced that it will be in attendance for Tennessee football's Saturday matchup against the Alabama Crimson Tide. 

Soon after SEC Nation wrapped up its show at 12 PM ET, it went to Twitter to announce where it is heading next Saturday: Rocky Top. The Vols and Tide will come together in Knoxville for the 106th meeting in the rivalry's history. 

SEC Nation visiting Knoxville has not benefited the Vols in the past. The Saturday morning show has visited Knoxville eight times, and Tennessee has a record of 2-6 with the SEC Network crew in town. The Vols have been the center of SEC Nation 17 times but have only won five of those games, giving Tennessee a 31% winning percentage. 

The last time they made the trip to Rocky Top was November 18, 2023, when No. 1 Georgia came to town. Tennessee wasn't ready to take down the top-ranked Bulldogs and lost 38-10 at home. Tennessee had a 2-2 record last season when being featured on SEC Nation. 

Alabama's last trip to Knoxville ended in an upset in 2022, with the Vols surviving the Tide 50-49. It was Tennessee's first win against Alabama since 2006 and one of the best SEC games in recent years. 

SEC Nation, and possibly other Saturday shows, are likely hoping to see another game that comes down to the wire on Rocky Top, with Alabama and Tennessee meeting again. 

Tennessee and Alabama will have a featured spot on ABC for their new SEC on ABC broadcast debuting this season. They are scheduled to kick off at 3:30 PM ET, with both teams looking to keep their spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff.