Top SEC Games: Week 8 Edition
Oct 17, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) makes a long run against the Texas A&M Aggies in the third quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports
Tennessee VS 8 Alabama
Location: Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL
Game Time: Saturday, October 24 3:30PM ET
TV: CBS
The CBS afternoon kickoff deserves the second slot here. Alabama, fresh off a dismantling of previously undefeated Texas A&M, will look to continue the winning way against SEC East rival Tennessee. The Volunteers are sure to still be living off the huge win over Georgia a couple weeks ago. Look for the Vols to enter Tuscaloosa with a real confidence and energy to play the underdog role to perfection. Alabama has returned to standard form now, and not a moment too soon with this rivalry game and a showdown with SEC West foe LSU looming.
Oct 10, 2015; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Josh Smith (25) celebrates with fans after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
That battle in Tuscaloosa looms large, but the Crimson Tide mustn’t overlook the Butch Jones led Tennessee bunch. Tennessee has tasted an upset once this year and they certainly have enough star-power to present any opposing program a game if given the right collection of circumstances.
A rivalry factor is certainly in effect as well, though the series has been extremely one-sided over the last decade. If Tennessee wants to take the next step, they must be Alabama this weekend. *Interesting sidenote* Six years ago Lane Kiffin stood across the field from Nick Saban with a chance to land Tennessee that signature win in his first (and only) year of rebuilding the Volunteers football program. Terrance Cody, a phenomenal junior college transfer, blocked the would be game winning field goal. It was also his second block of the game. Alabama went on to win the first National Championship under Nick Saban, and Lane Kiffin ultimately left at season’s end to take the head coaching position at Southern Cal. I say all of that to say this: Tennessee certainly won’t lack in the “hate” department come game day. A CBS rivalry game is always worth the view, especially when it’s the Third Saturday in October.
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