You've got to give credit to Jon Gruden, as he will never forget where his coaching career got started. That's right, Gruden was a graduate assistant for the Tennessee Vols back in the 1980s and his love for Knoxville isn't going to go anywhere.
Just ask standout Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams about that. Williams and Gruden were in the same room recently and you already know there was some jawing going on back and forth. This included Gruden showing the Vols a ton of love, while he also didn't hesitate in saying that he hates Alabama. UT fans are going to love this clip:
Jon Gruden told Ryan Williams he hates Alabama and he loves the Tennessee Vols
That's just some fun banter right there. Williams, coming off an incredible freshman season, was quick to remind Gruden that the Tide are going to host the Vols this upcoming season. That's going to be must-see television.
When these two teams last faced off, a packed house at Neyland Stadium watched Tennessee post a thrilling win over Bama. Walk-on defensive back Will Brooks sealed the deal with a timely interception off of Jalen Milroe late in the action. It's a game Vols supporters will remember for a long time.
Looking ahead to next year, things are going to be quite different for both teams. Alabama is most likely going to start Ty Simpson at quarterback, while Nico Iamaleava is no longer in Knoxville - he's off to UCLA. This is probably going to lead to Joey Aguilar running the offense for Josh Heupel.
Both programs have what it takes to flirt with 10 wins and a trip to the College Football Playoff. Williams is hoping to get his team back to the CFP, while Gruden will surely be rooting against that. He'll also be rooting for the Vols to stun Alabama and Kalen DeBoer in Tuscaloosa later this year.