By: Nate DeVille

The “Third Saturday in October” has officially arrived as No. 11 Tennessee and the sixth-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide meet for the 108th time. With conference and College Football Playoff opportunities at stake, this primetime SEC showdown is sure to produce yet another classic in one of college football’s most storied rivalries.

Alabama has had a chokehold on the Volunteers at Bryant-Denny stadium, winning 10 straight matchups on their home field. Looking to continue this trend, the Tide currently hold the nation’s longest home winning streak of 15 games. ‘Bama coach Kalen DeBoer is 10-0 in Tuscaloosa and believes that the home fans are key in his team’s success. 

“[We] need our fans loud, extremely loud…we need an environment that is the best in the country here this weekend,” DeBoer said.

“You need crowd noise to affect the timing of the snap count for the opponent… It's huge to have that energy at home.”

Tennessee coach Josh Heupel is no stranger to this rivalry, as he has coached the Vols in four matchups with Alabama. Heupel has a 2-2 record against the Tide, suffering both losses at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

“Great historical game… It will be a great environment against a great football team,” Heupel said.

“This is why you come to Tennessee, playing a game like this, a great rivalry game with Alabama.”

Key matchup

Battle of the quarterbacks: Alabama’s Ty Simpson and Tennessee’s Joey Aguilar.  

Simpson has been dominant through six games this season, completing 71% of his passes while tossing 16 touchdowns and just one interception. Simpson’s play has earned him an early spot in the Heisman Trophy conversation.

 Aguilar has been nothing short of impressive since arriving in Knoxville, just months ago. Aguilar has thrown for an SEC best 1,680 yards this season, completing 64.8% of his passes with 14 touchdowns. The veteran has shown that he can win on the road in conference play and will look to lead his top ranked offense to a victory in this one.

Alabama can win if...

Exploiting a depleted and inexperienced Tennessee secondary, is the key to an Alabama victory in this game. The Volunteers’ defense allows an SEC worst 257.8 passing yards. This group has played without several key players to start the year including star defensive back Jermod McCoy who suffered a torn ACL in the winter and has yet to return to action. Fellow defensive back, Rickey Gibson III suffered an injury in the Vols opening game against Syracuse and is questionable to return this season. Transfer corner Colton Hood, alongside freshman Ty Redmond, will be tasked with stopping a talented Alabama receiving core and their Heisman caliber QB. 

Tennessee can win if...

In order for Tennessee to win this crucial conference matchup, they must knock Ty Simpson off his spots and make him uncomfortable. The Volunteers have one of the best pass rushing defenses in college football and have recorded a nation's second best 26 sacks this year. Alabama's offensive line has given up 13 sacks this season. The Vols defensive line will look to attack Alabama’s front and apply pressure to Simpson. Knocking the ‘Bama QB off his spot would help the rest of the defense’s recovery time and increase the chances of forcing turnovers.