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Third Saturday in October
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| First meeting | November 28, 1901 Tennessee 6, Alabama 6 |
|---|---|
| Latest meeting | October 18, 2025 Alabama 37, Tennessee 20 |
| Next meeting | October 17, 2026 |
| Statistics | |
| Meetings total | 108 |
| All-time series | Alabama leads, 60–40–7 |
| Largest victory | Alabama, 51–0 (1906) Tennessee, 41–14 (1969, 1995) |
| Longest win streak | Alabama, 15 (2007–2022) Tennessee, 7 (1995–2001) |
| Current win streak | Alabama, 1 (2025–present) |
The Third Saturday in October is an American college football rivalry game played annually by the Crimson Tide of the University of Alabama and the Volunteers of the University of Tennessee.[1] The respective campuses are located approximately 310 miles (500 km) apart.[2][3] It is known as the Third Saturday in October because the game was traditionally played at such date prior to the 1992 football season, when the Southeastern Conference (SEC) split into its East and West divisions.[1][4] From 2000 to 2025, it has only been scheduled on that date 13 times.[5] Alabama leads the series 60–40–8.[6][7] At 40 wins, Tennessee has more victories over Alabama than any other program in college football. Likewise, at 60 wins, Alabama has more victories over Tennessee than any other program in college football.
Series history
[edit]The first game was played in 1901 in Birmingham, a 6–6 tie. From 1903 to 1913, Alabama dominated the series, only losing once and never allowing a touchdown by the Volunteers.
Beginning in 1928, the rivalry was scheduled on its "traditional" date. It has been renewed annually since then. Robert Neyland, namesake of Tennessee's present stadium, had arrived in Knoxville two years earlier and had begun challenging Alabama for the top of the Southern Conference standings, a push that continued when the two schools helped found the SEC in 1932. It was officially given the name Third Saturday in October 1939.[8] Both Robert Neyland and Bear Bryant made the rivalry heated during their tenure at Tennessee and Alabama.[9]
The Alabama–Tennessee game has been played in three locations: Birmingham, Alabama; Knoxville, Tennessee; and Tuscaloosa, Alabama. In the first four (1901–1908) meetings, the game was held in Birmingham, Alabama. In 1909, the home and home series began, though most of Alabama's home games against Tennessee were played in Birmingham. The teams did play in Tuscaloosa a few times through 1930. The game was not played in Tuscaloosa from 1930 until 1999. Alabama leads the series in all three venues: for games contested in Birmingham, 21–14–6; in Knoxville, 27–22–1; and in Tuscaloosa, 12–4.
Alabama and Tennessee both have 12 shutouts in the series.
Victory cigars
[edit]In the 1950s, Jim Goostree, the head athletic trainer for Alabama, began another tradition as he began handing out cigars following a victory over the Volunteers.[10] Both teams continued the tradition for some time, though kept it secret due to NCAA rules concerning extra benefits and tobacco products. Alabama publicly restarted the tradition in 2005, though as a result, self-reported an NCAA violation.[11] Every year since 2007, the winner of the Alabama–Tennessee game knowingly violates the NCAA rule and reports the violation in honor of tradition.[12]
Streaks
[edit]The Alabama–Tennessee rivalry has been known for streaks.[13] In the first major streak of the series, Bama won seven straight over the Vols from 1905 to 1913 (the two teams did not play in 1910 and 1911), outscoring the Vols 112–0 in the process.
Alabama had the longest winning streak of the series, extending 15 games from 2007 to 2021, until October 15, 2022, when Tennessee defeated Alabama 52–49, the first time Tennessee defeated Nick Saban during his tenure at Alabama. An eleven-game Alabama streak (1971–1981) was broken in 1982 when Johnny Majors led the Vols to an upset victory over Bear Bryant and the Tide.[8]
Alabama had a nine-game unbeaten streak from 1986 to 1994, including a tie in 1993 which was later forfeited due to NCAA sanctions. The streak was broken by Tennessee in 1995 when the Vols beat the Tide 41–14, beginning their own seven game win streak which was broken in 2002 when Alabama defeated the Vols 34–14. To date, Alabama maintains the longest streak of victories over Tennessee at fifteen.[14][15]
Game results
[edit]Rankings are from the AP Poll
| Alabama victories | Tennessee victories | Ties | Forfeits / Vacated wins [n 1][n 2] |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
- ^ Alabama's 1993 tie was forfeited as the NCAA found Antonio Langham guilty of receiving improper benefits after signing with an agent following the 1992 season, forcing Alabama to forfeit all games in which Langham competed.[16][17]
- ^ Alabama's 2005 victory was vacated as part of NCAA sanctions.[18][17]
Results by location
[edit]As of October 18, 2025
| State | City | Games | Alabama victories | Tennessee victories | Ties | Years played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | Knoxville | 50 | 27 | 22 | 1 | 1909–present |
| Alabama | Birmingham | 41 | 21 | 14 | 6 | 1901–1912, 1932–1997 |
| Tuscaloosa | 17 | 12 | 4 | 0 | 1913–1930, 1999–present |
Summary by decade
[edit]As of October 18, 2025
| Years | Games | Alabama victories | Tennessee victories | Ties | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1900s | 8 | 6 | 1 | 1 | Alabama 129–Tennessee 11 |
| 1910s | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | Alabama 20–Tennessee 17 |
| 1920s | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | Alabama 13–Tennessee 21 |
| 1930s | 10 | 5 | 4 | 1 | Alabama 120–Tennessee 84 |
| 1940s | 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 | Alabama 77–Tennessee 76 |
| 1950s | 10 | 1 | 7 | 2 | Alabama 63–Tennessee 135 |
| 1960s | 10 | 5 | 4 | 1 | Alabama 176–Tennessee 130 |
| 1970s | 10 | 9 | 1 | 0 | Alabama 250–Tennessee 140 |
| 1980s | 10 | 6 | 4 | 0 | Alabama 340–Tennessee 239 |
| 1990s | 10 | 4 | 6 | 0 | Alabama 140–Tennessee 220 |
| 2000s | 10 | 4 | 5 | 0 | Alabama 219–Tennessee 192 |
| 2010s | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | Alabama 407–Tennessee 124 |
| 2020s | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | Alabama 237–Tennessee 157 |
| Total | 108 | 60 | 40 | 7 | Alabama 2,191–Tennessee 1,546 |
Coaching records
[edit]As of October 18, 2025
Alabama
[edit]| Head Coach | Games | Seasons | Wins | Losses | Ties | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kalen DeBoer | 2 | 2024–present | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0.500 |
| Nick Saban | 17 | 2007–2023 | 16 | 1 | 0 | 0.941 |
| Mike Shula | 4 | 2003–2006 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0.000 |
| Dennis Franchione | 2 | 2001–2002 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0.500 |
| Mike DuBose | 4 | 1997–2000 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0.000 |
| Gene Stallings | 7 | 1990–1996 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0.571 |
| Bill Curry | 3 | 1987–1989 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 |
| Ray Perkins | 4 | 1983–1986 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0.250 |
| Bear Bryant | 25 | 1958–1982 | 16 | 7 | 2 | 0.696 |
| Jennings B. Whitworth | 3 | 1955–1957 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0.000 |
| Harold Drew | 8 | 1947–1954 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 0.375 |
| Frank Thomas | 15 | 1931–1946 | 7 | 6 | 2 | 0.533 |
| Wallace Wade | 3 | 1923–1930 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0.333 |
| D.V Graves | 3 | 1911–1914 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0.666 |
| J.W.H. Pollard | 4 | 1906–1909 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 |
| Jack Leavenworth | 1 | 1905 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 |
| W.B. Blount | 2 | 1903–1904 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0.500 |
| M.S. Harvey | 1 | 1901 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0.500 |
Tennessee
[edit]| Head Coach | Games | Seasons | Wins | Losses | Ties | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Heupel | 4 | 2021–present | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0.400 |
| Jeremy Pruitt | 3 | 2018–2020 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0.000 |
| Butch Jones | 5 | 2013–2017 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0.000 |
| Derek Dooley | 3 | 2010–2012 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0.000 |
| Lane Kiffin | 1 | 2009 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0.000 |
| Phillip Fulmer | 16 | 1992–2008 | 11 | 5 | 0 | 0.733 |
| Johnny Majors | 16 | 1977–1992 | 4 | 12 | 0 | 0.250 |
| Bill Battle | 7 | 1970–1976 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 0.143 |
| Doug Dickey | 6 | 1964–1969 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0.583 |
| Jim McDonald | 1 | 1963 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0.000 |
| Bowden Wyatt | 8 | 1955–1962 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0.688 |
| Harvey Robinson | 2 | 1953–1954 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0.250 |
| Robert Neyland | 19 | 1926–1934, 1936–1940, 1946–1952 | 12 | 5 | 2 | 0.684 |
| John Barnhill | 4 | 1941–1942, 1944–1945 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0.125 |
| W.H. Britton | 1 | 1935 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0.000 |
| Zora Clevenger | 3 | 1911–1915 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0.333 |
| George Levene | 3 | 1907–1909 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0.000 |
| James DePree | 2 | 1905–1906 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0.000 |
| Sax Crawford | 1 | 1904 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 |
| Hubert Fisher | 1 | 1902–1903 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0.000 |
| Gilbert Kelly | 1 | 1901 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0.500 |
Notable games
[edit]1901: 1901 was the first meeting between the two teams.[19] It ended early in a 6–6 tie, when fans rushed onto the field after a controversial offside call and the umpires were unable to clear out the crowd in the second half. In the game, J. L. Broug scored for Tennessee and A. W. Stewart scored for Alabama.[20]
1903: Alabama recorded their first victory in the series with a 24–0 victory in Birmingham.[21]
1904: Tennessee recorded their first victory in the series with a 5–0 victory in Birmingham.[22]
1909: The 1909 meeting of the series was the first to be played in Knoxville. Tennessee fans chased referee R. T. Elgin away from the stadium. Elgin jumped aboard a moving streetcar.[23]
1939: In 1939, #5 Tennessee defeated Alabama 21–0. At this time, the Alabama–Tennessee rivalry was officially designated as Third Saturday in October.[24][25]
1950: Alabama had a 3–0 first quarter lead with his 20-yard field goal. Tennessee responded with a two-yard Andy Kozar touchdown run in the second quarter to give the Vols a 7–3 halftime lead. After a 43-yard Bobby Marlow touchdown run in the third gave Alabama a 9–7 lead, Kozar scored the game-winning touchdown on a fourth-and-one play, from the Alabama one-yard line, with less than one minute remaining in the game for a 14–9 Tennessee victory.[26]
1951: The matchup between Alabama and Tennessee was the first game of football played in the Deep South to be televised.[27]
1964: In 1964, David Ray gave the Crimson Tide an early 3–0 lead after he connected on a 30-yard field goal in the first quarter.[28][29] Alabama then extended their lead to 16–0 at halftime with a pair of second-quarter touchdowns. The first came on a one-yard Steve Sloan run and the second after Wayne Cook blocked a Tennessee punt that Gaylon McCollough returned 22-yards for a touchdown. The Volunteers cut the Tide's lead in half to 16–8 with a seven-yard Hal Wantland touchdown run and two-point conversion in the third quarter. A 23-yard Ray field goal in the fourth quarter provided for the final 19–8 Alabama victory.[30]
1965: In a game that saw multiple turnovers result in failed touchdown opportunities, Alabama tied Tennessee 7–7 at Legion Field.[31] After a scoreless first quarter, both teams scored their only touchdown in the second. Stan Mitchell scored first for the Vols on a one-yard run and Steve Sloan followed for Alabama with his one-yard run. The Crimson Tide had a chance to win the game in the final minute of the game. With only 0:36 remaining in the game, Alabama had possession at the Tennessee six-yard line.[32] However, Alabama quarterback Ken Stabler thought the Tide gained a first down on the previous play and threw the ball out-of-bounds on a fourth down play and turned the ball over on downs back to the Vols. Tennessee then ran out the clock for the tie.[33][34]
1966: A week following Alabama's win over Clemson, Alabama regained the No. 3 position in the AP Poll prior to the game against Tennessee. At a rain-soaked Neyland Stadium, Alabama overcame a 10–0 fourth quarter deficit and defeated the Vols 11–10 and preserved their perfect record.[35] Tennessee scored all of their points in the first quarter. The first points came on a six-yard Dewey Warren touchdown pass to Austin Denney and next on a 40-yard Gary Wright field goal for a 10–0 lead. Still up by 10, the Crimson Tide made their comeback in the fourth quarter. Ken Stabler scored on a one-yard touchdown run and then successfully converted the two-point conversion on a short pass to Wayne Cook that made the score 10–8. With 3:23 left in the game, Steve Davis kicked the 17-yard, game-winning field goal that made the score 11–10. The Volunteers did manage to set up a 19-yard field goal attempt that went wide in the final 0:20 of the contest. The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Tennessee to 23–19–7.[36]
1967: In 1967, both Alabama and Tennessee were ranked in top ten.[37][38] The game started with Walter Chadwick scored on a one-yard touchdown run for the Vols, Alabama responded with an eight-yard touchdown that tied the game 7–7 at the end of the first quarter. The score remained tied at the half after a scoreless second quarter.
Tennessee then took a 17–7 lead in the third quarter on an 11-yard Chadwick touchdown pass to Ken DeLong and a 47-yard Karl Kremser field goal. Alabama responded with their final points early in the fourth quarter on a one-yard Ed Morgan touchdown run, but a pass was later intercepted by Albert Dorsey and returned 31-yards for a touchdown and a 24–13 Vols victory. The Tennessee win was also their first over the Crimson Tide since the 1960 season.[38][39]
1968: In 1968, coach Bryant decide to go for the victory instead of a tie in the final minutes of the game, and after the failed two-point conversion the Volunteers held onto a 10–9 victory at Knoxville.[40] Tennessee took an early 7–0 lead in the first quarter after Richmond Flowers scored on a one-yard touchdown run. Alabama responded later in the quarter with a 28-yard Mike Dean field goal that made the score 7–3. The score remained the same through the fourth quarter when Karl Kremser kicked what was then a SEC record 54-yard field goal that extended the Volunteers lead to 10–3.[41][42]
After the Tennessee field goal, the Crimson Tide had their most sustained drive of the game. The 80-yard drive culminated in a four-yard Donnie Sutton touchdown reception from Scott Hunter that made the score 10–9. However, instead of playing for the tie and kicking the extra point, coach Bryant elected to go for the win on a two-point conversion. On the attempt, Joe Kelley failed to complete the pass to Sutton and Tennessee won the game as a result 10–9.[41]
1972: After a scoreless first quarter, the Crimson Tide took a 3–0 lead into halftime after Bill Davis connected on a 31-yard field goal in the second. Tennessee then took a 7–3 lead on a two-yard Condredge Holloway touchdown run in the third, and extended it to 10–3 with a 36-yard Ricky Townsend field goal in the fourth quarter. With 2:39 left in the game, Alabama took possession at the Vols 48-yard line, and three plays later Wilbur Jackson scored on a two-yard run. On the Tennessee possession that ensued, John Mitchell recovered a Holloway fumble at the Vols' 17-yard line. On the next play, Terry Davis gave Alabama a 17–10 lead with his touchdown run with just over one minute left in the game.[43] The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Tennessee to 25–23–7.[44]
1982: Bear Bryant makes his final trip to Neyland Stadium. #2 Alabama's 11-game win streak over the Vols comes to an end 35–28 as Tennessee coach Johnny Majors is carried to mid-field in celebration to shake Bryant's hand one last time.[45] At the time, the largest crowd in NCAA football history witnessed this game, partly due to the World's Fair being in Knoxville in 1982.[46]
1989: In 1989, both teams entered the game undefeated and ranked in the top ten.[47][48] #10 Alabama defeated #6 Tennessee in an offensive shootout, 47–30.[49]
1990: 2–3 Alabama traveled to Knoxville to face undefeated, #3 Tennessee. The score was tied at 6–6 with 1:35 remaining when Tennessee kicker Greg Harris' 50-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Alabama's Stacy Harrison. The ball bounced all the way to the Tennessee 37 yard line, setting up a field goal attempt for Alabama kicker Philip Doyle 3 plays later. Doyle converted the 48 yard attempt as time expired, giving Alabama a stunning 9–6 upset victory, considered by some the biggest upset in series history.[50]
1993: 5–1, #10 Tennessee led #2, defending national champion Alabama at Legion Field 17–9 with 1:44 remaining. Alabama quarterback Jay Barker then led an 83-yard touchdown drive to close the gap to 17–15 before star wide receiver David Palmer ran in a two-point conversion to tie the game at 17 with only 21 seconds remaining. Tennessee elected to run out the clock, preserving the 17–17 tie – the last tie in Alabama football history — and ending Alabama's 28 game winning streak. Alabama later had to forfeit this game and it is officially considered a Tennessee win.[51]
1995: Having not defeated Alabama since 1985, #6 Tennessee and sophomore quarterback Peyton Manning defeated #10 Alabama in a rout. Unlike past contests, this game was dominated by the Volunteers from the beginning — Peyton Manning threw an 80-yard touchdown pass to Joey Kent on the very first play of the game.[52]
1997: The final game in the series is played in Birmingham. Alabama would later play their home games in the series in Tuscaloosa. Tennessee won the game and starting quarterback Peyton Manning famously led the Pride of the Southland Band following the victory.[53]
1998: The Vols continue their unexpected and undefeated march to Tempe and the national championship by defeating Alabama 35–18 in Knoxville.[54] Tennessee extend their streak to four in the row against Alabama.[55]
2002: #19 Alabama, banned from postseason play due to NCAA probation,[56] defeated #16 Tennessee 34–14 in Knoxville, ending Tennessee's seven-game winning streak – their longest streak in series history.[57]
2003: #22 Tennessee, fighting to stay alive in the SEC East, traveled to Tuscaloosa to take on the unranked Crimson Tide. The two teams went to an unprecedented five overtime periods before Tennessee finally breaks the ice in the fifth overtime scoring a touchdown and the mandatory two-point conversion. Alabama would fail to answer the touchdown and Tennessee left Tuscaloosa victorious with a 51–43 win in the longest game in either team's history.[58]
2005: Tennessee returned to Tuscaloosa ranked 17th after a disappointing 3–2 start following their preseason #3 ranking.[59] Alabama came in ranked #5 and undefeated, their highest ranking entering the game since 1993. A defensive struggle ensued, with neither team able to find the endzone. With the score tied at 3–3, Tennessee appeared ready to score the game's first touchdown with 5:08 remaining. Running back Cory Anderson caught a swing pass and reached the two yard line before Alabama's Roman Harper knocked the ball loose and through the endzone for a touchback. Alabama quarterback Brodie Croyle then drove the Tide down into field goal range where Jamie Christensen kicked the game-winning field goal with 13 seconds left to give the Crimson Tide a 6–3 win and keep their undefeated season alive.[60]
2009: Despite #1 Alabama entering the game as a 14-point favorite,[61] the Crimson Tide struggled with the Volunteers, holding only a slim 12–3 lead late in the fourth quarter. With Alabama attempting to kill the clock, eventual Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram II fumbled for the first time in 296 carries, giving Tennessee the ball in Alabama territory. Tennessee scored the first touchdown of the game eight plays later, making the score 12–10. Tennessee then recovered an onside kick at their own 41 yard line, needing only a field goal to pull off the upset. After reaching the Alabama 28 yard line, Tennessee attempted a would-be game-winning field goal of 43 yards.[62][63] Alabama's standout defensive lineman, Terrence Cody, blocked the low line-drive kick, his second blocked field goal of the quarter, preserving the 12–10 Alabama victory en route to an eventual National Championship.[62][64]
2015: Tennessee came to Tuscaloosa immediately after a big win against rival Georgia and hoped to get another upset, while Alabama was focused on keeping its College Football Playoff hopes alive.[65] At half time, the game was tied 7–7. Alabama kicked two field goals in the second half, giving them a 13–7 lead in the 4th quarter. With 5:49 left on the clock, Tennessee running back Jalen Hurd scored a touchdown to give the Vols a late 14–13 lead.[66] Alabama responded with a lengthy drive capped off by a 14-yard touchdown run by eventual Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry.[63] Alabama attempted a two-point conversion to stretch the lead to a touchdown, but failed, leaving the score at 19–14. On the ensuing drive, Tennessee quarterback Joshua Dobbs was sacked by linebacker Ryan Anderson, leading to a fumble recovered by A'Shawn Robinson. The Crimson Tide then killed the clock, preserving a narrow 19–14 victory and extending their winning streak in the series to 9 games.[67] Alabama would eventually win the College Football Playoff national championship that season.[68]
2018: Alabama defeated Tennessee 58–21 in Knoxville. The 58 points scored by Alabama set a new single-game record for points scored in the series.[69]
2022: The two teams entered the game undefeated for the first time since 1989.[15] #6 Tennessee jumped out to an early 28–10 lead before Alabama quarterback Bryce Young brought the #3 Tide back to take the lead in the third quarter. The teams traded touchdowns up to the final minute, leaving the score tied 49–49. Alabama had the ball at Tennessee's 32-yard line with under a minute remaining, where Tennessee forced three straight incompletions. Alabama missed a field goal with 15 seconds remaining, and Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker was able to get the Vols in range for a game winning field goal as time expired. Tennessee kicker Chase McGrath converted the 40-yard attempt, breaking Tennessee's 15-year losing streak to Alabama. Tennessee fans at Neyland Stadium stormed the field and tore the goalposts down in celebration, before throwing them into the nearby Tennessee River.[70] Tennessee receiver Jalin Hyatt had an incredible performance, catching five touchdowns out of his six catches and having 207 total receiving yards.[71] Tennessee's 52 points were the most points scored against any Alabama team since 1907.[72]
Rivalry ties
[edit]Both football programs share very notable people.
Alvin Kamara, a running back for the New Orleans Saints of the NFL, is the most accomplished professional football player to have played for both Alabama and Tennessee.[73] Kamara started his college career at Alabama before ending up at Tennessee after a stint at Hutchinson Community College.[74][75][76]
Bill Battle, Alabama's athletic director from 2013 to 2017, was the head coach of Tennessee from 1970 to 1976 and played on the Crimson Tide's 1961 national championship squad.[77]
Former Tennessee athletic director from 2011 to 2017 Dave Hart played basketball for the Crimson Tide under head coach C. M. Newton and earned a master's degree from University of Alabama in 1972 while working as a graduate assistant men's basketball coach. During his time at Alabama, he worked as executive director of athletics.[78][79]
Lane Kiffin, Alabama's offensive coordinator from 2014 to 2016, was head coach at Tennessee in 2009.[80][81]
Jeremy Pruitt, Alabama's defensive coordinator from 2016 to 2017, was the head coach at Tennessee from 2018 to 2020.[82][83]
Butch Jones, former Tennessee head coach from 2013 to 2017, was an analyst for the Alabama Crimson Tide from 2018 to 2020.[84][85]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Cook, Beano (October 17, 2001). "ESPN Classic - The third Saturday in October". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
- ^ "Distance between University of Alabama campus to University of Tennessee campus". Google Maps. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
- ^ "Distance Between Tuscaloosa, AL and Knoxville, TN". Distance Between Cities. Retrieved August 6, 2016.
- ^ Schexnayder, C. J. (October 20, 2011). "RBR Reading Room: Third Saturday in October". Roll 'Bama Roll. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
- ^ Leuzzi, John (October 18, 2025). "Why is Alabama vs Tennessee football rivalry called 'Third Saturday in October'?". USA TODAY. Retrieved October 19, 2025.
- ^ "The Record Book" (PDF). University of Alabama Athletics. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 20, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2008.
- ^ "Alabama–Tennessee Record". mcubed.net. Retrieved August 7, 2016.
- ^ a b "Flashback: The Great Games — The All-Time Top 10". FOX Sports. June 19, 2008. Archived from the original on August 3, 2008. Retrieved August 6, 2016.
- ^ Browning, Al (2001). Third Saturday in October: The Game-By-Game Story of the South's Most Intense Football Rivalry. Cumberland House. ISBN 978-1-58182-217-5.
- ^ Dunnavant, Keith (2006). "The Missing Ring". The Missing Ring: How Bear Bryant and the 1966 Alabama Crimson Tide Were Denied College Football's Most Elusive Prize. Macmillan. p. 170. ISBN 978-0-312-33683-7 – via Google Books.
- ^ "The Third Saturday in October". OnlineAthens.com. Associated Press. October 21, 2006. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved October 25, 2008.
- ^ Davis, Patrick (October 19, 2008). "Alabama/Tennessee to Commit NCAA Violation This Saturday". Bleacher Report. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
- ^ Walsh, Christopher (October 23, 2014). "Despite streaks, 'Third Saturday in October' still a big rivalry". Saturday Down South. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
- ^ Murphy, Sam (October 12, 2022). "SERIES HISTORY: The 15-year win streak Alabama has over Tennessee". Roll Tide Wire. USA Today. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
- ^ a b Stephenson, Creg (October 12, 2022). "5 'streak-starters' that have defined Alabama-Tennessee". AL.com. Archived from the original on February 22, 2024. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
- ^ "A timeline of Alabama's NCAA problems". Ledger-Enquirer. Columbus, GA. Associated Press. May 28, 2019. Archived from the original on October 20, 2022. Retrieved December 23, 2022.
- ^ a b "Forfeits and Vacated Games". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 2, 2021. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
- ^ Estes, Gentry (March 23, 2010). "NCAA upholds vacated wins penalties in the University of Alabama's textbook case (Updated with UA reaction)". AL.com. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
Per June's original ruling from the NCAA Committee on Infractions, Alabama football must vacate all 10 victories during the 2005 season, including the Cotton Bowl against Texas Tech, all six wins in 2006 and the first five wins in 2007 leading up to when the textbook improprieties were discovered prior to the Tennessee game that season. Wins in 2007 over Tennessee and Colorado stand.
- ^ Walsh, Christopher (October 21, 2023). "Nothing Describes Alabama, Tennessee Football Rivalry Better Than 'Bully'". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
- ^ "1901 Alabama football schedule". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Archived from the original on November 25, 2011. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
- ^ Schexnayder, C. J. (October 20, 2010). "Alabama vs Tennessee: A Historical Retrospective". Roll 'Bama Roll. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
- ^ Lay, Ken (October 18, 2021). "Tennessee-Alabama: The all-time series". Vols Wire. USA Today. Archived from the original on December 19, 2022. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
- ^ "The Tennessee Football Programs: 1990 Football Guide". University of Tennessee. Archived from the original on November 11, 2017.
- ^ Crigler, Hayden (October 23, 2021). "Third Saturday in October: Quick history, and two goals for the Tide against Tennessee". Yellowhammer News. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
- ^ Taylor, Noah (October 19, 2017). "Tennessee-Alabama: The 10 Best Games of The Third Saturday in October". Rocky Top Talk. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
- ^ Watkins, Edwin (October 22, 1950). "Last minute Vol T.D. defeats Alabama 14–9". The Tuscaloosa News. p. 1. Archived from the original on May 9, 2016. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
- ^ Walsh, Christopher J. (2006). Where Football is King: A History of the SEC (First Taylor Trade Publishing ed.). Lanham, Maryland: Taylor Trade Publishing. p. 16. ISBN 978-1-58979-355-2. OCLC 64335804.
- ^ Land, Charles (October 18, 1964). "Tide handles Vols, 19–8". The Tuscaloosa News. p. 9. Retrieved January 20, 2012 – via Google News.
- ^ "Alabama beats Tennessee 19–8". The Spokesman-Review. Associated Press. October 16, 1964. p. C4. Retrieved January 20, 2012 – via Google News.
- ^ "Crimson Tide Wins, 19–8". The New York Times. October 18, 1964. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
- ^ "Nashville Then: Tennessee vs. Alabama in Birmingham in 1965". The Tennessean. October 7, 2015. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
- ^ Smothers, Jimmy (October 17, 1965). "Tide flows out, Vols happy at 7–7". The Gadsden Times. p. 21. Retrieved August 6, 2016 – via Google News.
- ^ Land, Charles (October 17, 1965). "Tide, Vols tie". The Tuscaloosa News. p. 9. Retrieved September 19, 2011 – via Google News.
- ^ "Bear takes blame for costly miscue". The Florence Times. October 17, 1965. p. 15. Retrieved January 20, 2016 – via Google News.
- ^ "Tide nips Tennessee". Star-News. UPI. October 16, 1966. p. 3C. Retrieved August 6, 2016 – via Google News.
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- ^ Stinnett, Erik (October 13, 2022). "Alabama Football: In restoked rivalry will another Siran Stacy emerge?". Bama Hammer. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
- ^ "Alabama's 47-30 victory over previously undefeated Tennessee..." Los Angeles Times. October 24, 1989. Archived from the original on February 23, 2024. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
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- ^ Moran, Malcolm (October 17, 1993). "COLLEGE FOOTBALL; 83 Yards in 83 Seconds: Alabama Salvages a Tie". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
- ^ "Joey Kent helped make history for Tennessee football". AL.com. April 5, 2015. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
- ^ De La Milera, Lanie Michelle (August 24, 2023). "Peyton Manning reveals new details for leading Tennessee band after 1997 Alabama win". Knoxville News Sentinel. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
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- ^ "University of Alabama Athletics Football History vs University of Tennessee". University of Alabama Athletics. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
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- ^ "Vols cough up ball, game". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 27, 2002. Archived from the original on September 27, 2016. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
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- ^ "2005 Tennessee Volunteers Schedule and Results". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 18, 2018. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
- ^ "Christensen's late FG lifts Tide past Vols". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 23, 2005. Archived from the original on August 18, 2016. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
- ^ "Betting Odds Tennessee Volunteers vs #2 Alabama Crimson Tide – Saturday, October 24th 3:30 PM EST CBS". Sports.com. Retrieved October 24, 2009.
- ^ a b "No. 2 Bama blocks Tennessee FG to avoid upset:Play by Play". ESPN. Retrieved October 24, 2009.
- ^ a b "Heisman Winners". Heisman.com. Archived from the original on October 21, 2015. Retrieved August 7, 2016.
- ^ "Cody blocks FG on final play to save perfect season for Bama". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 25, 2009. Archived from the original on October 17, 2022. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
- ^ Wiedmer, Mark (October 11, 2015). "Daniel's late punt helps protect Vols' big win". Chattanooga Times Free Press. Archived from the original on February 22, 2024. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
- ^ Slovin, Matt (October 24, 2015). "Vols' loss to Alabama adds another close call to season". The Tennessean. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
- ^ "No. 8 Alabama survives Tennessee on late TD run by Derrick Henry". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 24, 2015. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
- ^ Crouse, Karen (January 12, 2016). "Alabama Wins Fourth National Championship in Seven Years". The New York Times. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
- ^ Fleser, Dan (October 20, 2018). "How UT Vols lost to Alabama 58-21". Knoxville News Sentinel. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
- ^ Wallace, Chris (November 30, 2022). "Tennessee fans storm field, tear down goalpost after upsetting Alabama". Saturday Down South. Retrieved November 30, 2022.
- ^ Neumann, Thomas (October 15, 2022). "Tennessee's Jalin Hyatt Enjoys Performance for the Ages As Vols Shock Alabama". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on November 17, 2022. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
- ^ Farner, Keith (October 15, 2022). "Tennessee delivers historic scoring output against Alabama, Nick Saban-coached teams". Saturday Down South. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
- ^ "Alvin Kamara Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on February 9, 2019. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
- ^ Inabinett, Mark (April 5, 2021). "Alvin Kamara credits failure at Alabama for NFL success". AL.com. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
- ^ "Former HCC running back Alvin Kamara talks time in Hutch". The Hutchinson News. December 8, 2017. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
- ^ Spears, Joseph (June 20, 2021). "Alvin Kamara has a good feeling about new Tennessee Vols coach Josh Heupel, and his new role with NASCAR". The Tennessean. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
- ^ Scarborough, Alex (July 21, 2016). "Alabama AD Bill Battle returning in a limited capacity". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 10, 2016.
- ^ "Dave Hart Joins Athletic Staff". University of Alabama Athletics. July 30, 2008. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
- ^ Toppmeyer, Blake (March 16, 2018). "Dave Hart, former Tennessee Vols AD, hired by ECU in advisory role". Knoxville News Sentinel. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
- ^ "Kiffin named 21st coach in Tennessee's history". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 1, 2008. Archived from the original on October 23, 2017. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
- ^ Scarborough, Alex (January 10, 2014). "Alabama makes Kiffin offensive coordinator". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
- ^ Scarborough, Alex (December 11, 2015). "Tide snags ex-UGA DC Pruitt for same role". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on February 22, 2024. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
- ^ Zucker, Joseph (December 6, 2017). "Jeremy Pruitt Named Tennessee Head Coach on Reported 6-Year Contract". Bleacher Report. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
- ^ Schad, Joe; Low, Chris (December 7, 2012). "Tennessee hires Bearcats' Jones as new coach". ESPN.com. Associated Press. Archived from the original on June 30, 2023. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
- ^ Zenitz, Matt (March 21, 2018). "Alabama finalizes hiring of Butch Jones as 'intern'". AL.com. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
Further reading
[edit]- Browning, Al (2001). Third Saturday in October: The Game-By-Game Story of the South's Most Intense Football Rivalry. Cumberland House. ISBN 978-1-58182-217-5.
Third Saturday in October
View on GrokipediaRivalry Background
Origins
The Alabama–Tennessee football rivalry originated on November 28, 1901, when the two teams met for the first time in Birmingham, Alabama, at West End Park, resulting in a 6–6 tie on a muddy Thanksgiving Day field before a crowd of approximately 2,500 spectators.[8] The game, marked by controversy including a disputed offsides penalty that incited Alabama fans to storm the field, set a contentious tone for the budding series, though it ended without further incident after officials allowed play to resume. Following the inaugural matchup, the teams met irregularly until establishing annual play starting in 1928, with the only interruption occurring in 1943 due to World War II, caused by travel restrictions, manpower shortages from military drafts, and fuel rationing that made intercollegiate scheduling impractical.[3] These gaps were due to varying conference schedules and logistical challenges in the pre-SEC era. Many early contests were hosted at neutral sites in Birmingham due to limited campus facilities unable to accommodate significant crowds, to draw larger regional audiences and share gate receipts; venues included West End Park until 1917 and later shifted to other local fields before permanently settling at Legion Field upon its opening in 1927.[9] This Birmingham-centric format for Alabama's "home" games persisted until 1997, after which the rivalry transitioned to alternating on-campus sites at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa and Neyland Stadium in Knoxville.[10] The initial years of the rivalry in the 1900s and 1910s exhibited competitive balance but with Alabama gradually asserting dominance, compiling a 6–1–1 record in the 1900s and 2–1 in the 1910s.[11] Tennessee secured the series' first win in 1904 (a 5–0 victory), but Alabama responded with a seven-game winning streak from 1905 to 1913, including shutouts in several contests, before Tennessee snapped it with a 17–7 triumph in 1914.[10] This period transformed the matchup from an occasional regional contest into a fixture of Southern football, highlighted by growing fan interest and the teams' shared participation in early conferences like the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association. The rivalry's status elevated further in 1933 when it became an official Southeastern Conference (SEC) game, coinciding with the league's inaugural season after its founding on December 8–9, 1932, in Knoxville, Tennessee, by 13 former Southern Conference members including both Alabama and Tennessee.[12] That year's matchup, a 12–6 Alabama victory in Knoxville, underscored the series' growing intensity within the new conference framework, solidifying its role as a key intrasectional battle among Southern powerhouses.[13]Name and Scheduling
The nickname "Third Saturday in October" was adopted in 1939 to reflect the game's longstanding tradition of being played on that specific date annually since 1928.[14] Prior to the Southeastern Conference's expansion and divisional realignment in 1992, the matchup was consistently scheduled for the third Saturday in October without exception, though earlier dates in the rivalry's history varied more broadly.[14] Following the addition of Arkansas and South Carolina to create 12-team divisions, the SEC established Alabama and Tennessee as permanent cross-divisional rivals in its eight-game conference model, formalizing the annual contest around 1992–1995 while aiming to preserve the late-October timing despite occasional shifts for bye weeks or alignments.[15] Pre-1995 scheduling generally aligned with the third or fourth Saturday in October, as seen in games on October 20, 1990; October 19, 1991; October 17, 1992; October 16, 1993; and October 15, 1994.[10] In 1995 and 1997, the game was hosted at a neutral site in Birmingham, Alabama (October 14, 1995; October 18, 1997), while 1996 was played in Knoxville on October 26 (the fourth Saturday).[10] Post-1998, the rivalry transitioned to strictly alternating home sites between Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, and Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, beginning with Knoxville on October 24, 1998, and Tuscaloosa on October 23, 1999.[10] SEC expansions, including the 2012 addition of Missouri and Texas A&M, prompted 2014 discussions on a potential ninth conference game that could disrupt protected rivalries; however, the league retained the eight-game format and permanent matchups like Alabama-Tennessee to maintain scheduling stability and tradition.[16] This protection extends into the future, with the rivalry designated as one of three annual opponents for both teams under the SEC's nine-game schedule starting in 2026.[17] The 2025 game was held on October 18, the third Saturday, at Bryant-Denny Stadium.[18]Significance and Traditions
Cultural Importance
The Alabama-Tennessee football rivalry, known as the Third Saturday in October, stands as one of the Southeastern Conference's (SEC) most storied contests, embodying deep regional pride between the neighboring states of Alabama and Tennessee. This border-state clash fosters intense state loyalty, with fans viewing victory as a matter of collective identity and honor, often described as a cultural cornerstone of Southern football passion. Ranked as the nation's 11th-best rivalry by The Athletic, it highlights the SEC's tradition of high-stakes games that transcend athletics to symbolize community resilience and historical ties dating back to the late 19th century.[7] The game's economic significance is profound for host cities like Tuscaloosa and Knoxville, where sold-out crowds exceeding 100,000 fans—drawn to capacities of 100,077 at Bryant-Denny Stadium and 101,915 at Neyland Stadium—generate substantial revenue. Each University of Alabama home football game contributes approximately $22.9 million to the local Tuscaloosa metro economy through spending on lodging, dining, and merchandise, while statewide impacts reach $33.6 million per contest (based on 2023-24 data), boosting hotels to near-full occupancy and stimulating businesses during game weekends. Similar effects occur in Knoxville, where Tennessee home games drive surges in local commerce, underscoring the event's role as a major economic driver in the region.[19][20][21] Fan traditions amplify the rivalry's cultural vibrancy, with elaborate tailgating rituals transforming host campuses into festive hubs hours before kickoff. In Tuscaloosa, Alabama supporters engage in the Walk of Champions procession and chant "Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer" to rally the crowd, while across the state line, Tennessee fans belt out the iconic "Rocky Top" anthem, a bluegrass tune that has become synonymous with Volunteer spirit and echoes through Neyland Stadium. Pre-game events, including pep rallies and street festivals, further heighten the atmosphere, fostering intergenerational bonds and community gatherings that blend food, music, and fervent displays of allegiance.[22][23] The rivalry's influence extends to national narratives, frequently drawing ESPN's College GameDay to sites like Knoxville in 2022 for live broadcasts that capture its electric tension. Media coverage often frames the matchup as a pinnacle of college football lore, with references in broadcasts and documentaries emphasizing its emotional stakes over mere wins. Recent dynamics have shifted the intensity: Alabama's dominant 15-game winning streak from 2007 to 2021 under coach Nick Saban tempered excitement for some, but Tennessee's dramatic 52-49 upset in 2022 reignited fervor, followed by Alabama's 34-20 win in 2023, Tennessee's 24-17 victory in 2024, and Alabama's 37-20 triumph in 2025, restoring competitive balance and amplifying fan engagement in subsequent clashes.[24][25][26][27]Victory Cigars
The Victory Cigars tradition among Tennessee fans and players represents a pointed celebration of wins over Alabama, directly referencing and mocking the Crimson Tide's own long-established cigar-smoking custom tied to legendary coach Bear Bryant. This ritual emerged prominently in 1999 after Tennessee's 21-7 victory in Tuscaloosa, when coach Phillip Fulmer and players lit cigars on the field while chanting "We own Alabama," turning the gesture into a symbol of rivalry dominance during the Volunteers' seven-game winning streak from 1995 to 2001.[28][29] The act underscored Tennessee's psychological edge, as Bryant's post-win cigar puffs had become an iconic Alabama hallmark since the 1960s.[30] The tradition continued during Tennessee's successes under Fulmer, with notable instances following the 51-43 five-overtime thriller in 2003 and the 16-13 nailbiter in 2006, both at Neyland Stadium, where players and fans alike embraced the cigars as a taunting emblem of resurgence.[31] These celebrations highlighted the one-sided psychological warfare in the rivalry, as Alabama lacked a comparable retort during Tennessee's streaks, amplifying the Volunteers' bravado. After Alabama's 15-game winning streak from 2007 to 2021 suppressed the ritual, it roared back in 2022 with Tennessee's dramatic 52-49 upset in Knoxville, where players puffed cigars in the locker room amid field-storming chaos, even as the university's tobacco-free policy loomed.[32] The symbolism persisted into 2024, when Tennessee secured a 24-17 home win, prompting players and fans to light up in jubilation, further cementing the cigars as a provocative staple that heightens the rivalry's intensity without an Alabama equivalent to counter the mockery. The tradition did not occur in 2025 following Alabama's 37-20 victory in Tuscaloosa.[33][27] Such post-win displays have occasionally drawn scrutiny for unsportsmanlike conduct, contributing to SEC fines against Tennessee for fan field invasions in 2022 ($100,000) and 2024 ($100,000), though the cigars themselves evade direct penalties amid the league's tobacco prohibitions.[34][35] This enduring taunt reinforces the Third Saturday in October's cultural edge for Tennessee, transforming a simple vice into a badge of rivalry triumph.Series History
Overall Record
The Third Saturday in October rivalry between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Tennessee Volunteers has been played 108 times as of October 18, 2025, with Alabama holding the series lead.[36][10] Official records differ slightly between the schools due to the treatment of the 1993 game, which ended in a 17–17 tie on the field but was later forfeited by Alabama to Tennessee amid NCAA sanctions for improper player payments; Alabama counts it as a tie, while Tennessee records it as a victory.[10] According to Alabama's athletics department, the Crimson Tide lead 61–39–8.[36] Tennessee's athletics department lists the Volunteers' record as 40–61–7 against Alabama.[10] Alabama has outscored Tennessee 2,179–1,558 in the series.[36][10]| Location | Alabama Record | Tennessee Record |
|---|---|---|
| At Alabama (Home for Alabama) | 34–17–7 | 17–34–7 |
| At Tennessee (Away for Alabama) | 27–22–1 | 22–27–1 |
Streaks
The Alabama Crimson Tide hold the longest winning streak in the series history, achieving 15 consecutive victories from 2007 to 2021 under head coach Nick Saban.[37] This dominant run contributed significantly to Alabama's multiple national championships during that period, including titles in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, and 2020, underscoring the streak's role in establishing program supremacy.[38] Prior to Saban's era, Alabama also recorded an 11-game winning streak from 1971 to 1981 under legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, a period that solidified the Crimson Tide's resurgence in Southern college football.[38] Additionally, Alabama maintained a nine-game unbeaten streak from 1986 to 1994 (8 wins, 1 tie), reflecting consistent performance across coaching transitions following Bryant's tenure.[39] The Tennessee Volunteers' longest winning streak stands at seven consecutive victories from 1995 to 2001, led by coaches Phillip Fulmer and featuring quarterback Peyton Manning, which helped Tennessee secure a national championship in 1998.[38] Tennessee also achieved a four-game winning streak from 1982 to 1985 under head coach Johnny Majors, breaking Alabama's prior dominance and marking a brief shift in series momentum.[38] More recently, Tennessee has secured non-consecutive wins in 2022 and 2024, but these do not form a streak due to the 2023 loss to Alabama.[40]Game Results
Results by Location
The Third Saturday in October rivalry games from 1924 to 1998 were primarily played at Alabama's home venue in Birmingham, Alabama, primarily at Legion Field, spanning 49 games in total. These matchups were closely contested, with Alabama holding the edge at 21–14–6, reflecting the home advantage in a regional site that drew fans from both states.[36][10] Prior to the alternating home-and-away format adopted in 1999, games at each team's on-campus stadium were infrequent. Alabama hosted Tennessee in Tuscaloosa only twice before 1999 (in 1913 and 1928), posting a 1-1 record in those contests at what is now Bryant-Denny Stadium. Similarly, Tennessee's home games in Knoxville pre-1999 numbered 28, with a 16-20-1 record against Alabama at Neyland Stadium, showing a modest Vols edge in their home environment during that era.[10] Since the shift to annual alternation in 1999, Alabama has gone 11-3 at Bryant-Denny Stadium over 14 games, with Tennessee's victories coming in 1999 (21-7), 2001 (35-24), and 2003 (51-43).[36] At Neyland Stadium during the same period, Alabama holds an 8-5 record across 13 meetings, though Tennessee has shown resilience with home wins in 2022 (52-49) and 2024 (24-17).[10] This venue-specific performance highlights Alabama's overall series control post-1999, while Tennessee maintains competitiveness at home in Knoxville, including the 2025 season's ongoing dynamics. Recent trends at Neyland Stadium illustrate Alabama's road prowess, with the Crimson Tide going 7-2 there since 2007, including a 49-10 victory in 2016 and decisive wins like 58-21 in 2018, before Tennessee's upsets in 2022 and 2024 disrupted the pattern.[11]Results by Decade
The Third Saturday in October rivalry between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Tennessee Volunteers has seen fluctuating dominance across decades, with early years marked by sporadic play and later periods featuring annual matchups since 1928 (except during World War II). Alabama held an early advantage in the 1900s, but Tennessee asserted control in the mid-20th century before Alabama's prolonged superiority in recent eras. The following table summarizes the series records by decade, listing Alabama's wins-losses-ties first, followed by Tennessee's (inverse where applicable), based on official records. Ties are included as shared outcomes.| Decade | Games Played | Alabama Record (W-L-T) | Tennessee Record (W-L-T) | Key Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1900s | 8 | 6-1-1 | 1-6-1 | Alabama's early dominance established with six victories in eight meetings, including shutouts in five games.[36] |
| 1910s | 3 | 2-1-0 | 1-2-0 | Balanced but limited play, with Alabama securing two wins before Tennessee's lone victory.[36] |
| 1920s | 2 | 0-2-0 | 2-0-0 | Tennessee's brief edge in infrequent contests, sweeping both games.[36] |
| 1930s | 10 | 5-4-1 | 4-5-1 | Slight Alabama advantage amid annual play, highlighted by a mix of close wins and losses.[36] |
| 1940s | 9 | 4-3-2 | 3-4-2 | Alabama edged out Tennessee despite wartime interruptions, with two ties contributing to parity.[36] |
| 1950s | 10 | 1-7-2 | 7-1-2 | Tennessee's strongest decade, winning seven of ten with dominant performances under coach Bowden Wyatt.[36] |
| 1960s | 10 | 5-4-1 | 4-5-1 | Evenly matched annual series, with Alabama holding a narrow lead through competitive games.[36] |
| 1970s | 10 | 9-1-0 | 1-9-0 | Alabama's Bear Bryant era yielded nine straight wins after an initial loss, solidifying Crimson Tide control.[36] |
| 1980s | 10 | 6-4-0 | 4-6-0 | Alabama maintained momentum with six victories, though Tennessee notched four upsets.[36] |
| 1990s | 10 | 4-5-1 | 5-4-1 | Tennessee reclaimed the edge under coaches Johnny Majors and Phillip Fulmer, winning five including a notable 41-14 rout.[36] |
| 2000s | 10 | 5-5-0 | 5-5-0 | Perfect balance in a transitional period, with each team securing five wins amid coaching changes.[41] |
| 2010s | 10 | 10-0-0 | 0-10-0 | Alabama's Nick Saban dominated completely, extending a streak that reshaped the rivalry's power dynamic.[36] |
| 2020s (through 2025) | 6 | 4-2-0 | 2-4-0 | Alabama leads early but Tennessee snapped the long streak with wins in 2022 and 2024 under Josh Heupel.[36][18] |
Records and Achievements
Coaching Records
The Third Saturday in October rivalry has seen several head coaches achieve notable success against their counterparts, with records reflecting the competitive balance and occasional dominance in the series. For Alabama, legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant compiled the most wins by any Crimson Tide head coach in the matchup, going 16-7-2 from 1958 to 1982, a span that included multiple streaks and contributed significantly to Alabama's program legacy during his tenure.[42] Nick Saban followed with an exceptional 16-1 mark from 2007 to 2023, featuring a 15-game winning streak that underscored his near-perfect command of the rivalry and bolstered Alabama's resurgence as a national powerhouse.[43] Current coach Kalen DeBoer, in his first two seasons, stands at 1-1, with a 17-24 loss in 2024 at Tennessee and a 37-20 victory in 2025 at home.[44][45] On the Tennessee side, Robert Neyland amassed the most wins for a Volunteers coach, posting a 12-5-2 record from 1926 to 1952, which helped establish Tennessee's early edge in the series and shaped the program's identity as a consistent contender.[46] Doug Dickey went 3-2-1 during his tenure from 1964 to 1969, including key upsets in 1964 and 1967 that briefly halted Alabama's momentum under Bryant. Phillip Fulmer achieved a strong 11-5 record from 1993 to 2008 (including a forfeit victory in 1993), with his successes, such as the 1998 national championship season, reinforcing Tennessee's legacy in the rivalry during a period of SEC parity.[47] Josh Heupel, coaching since 2021, holds a 2-3 mark through 2025, highlighted by dramatic wins in 2022 (52-49) and 2024 (24-17) that revived Tennessee's competitiveness against Alabama.[48][49] These records illustrate how individual coaches have influenced program legacies, with Bryant's and Saban's dominance for Alabama creating enduring streaks, while Neyland's and Fulmer's efforts for Tennessee provided critical balancing victories that sustained the rivalry's intensity.| Coach | Team | Record | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul "Bear" Bryant | Alabama | 16-7-2 | 1958–1982 |
| Nick Saban | Alabama | 16-1 | 2007–2023 |
| Kalen DeBoer | Alabama | 1-1 | 2024–2025 |
| Robert Neyland | Tennessee | 12-5-2 | 1926–1952 |
| Doug Dickey | Tennessee | 3-2-1 | 1964–1969 |
| Phillip Fulmer | Tennessee | 11-5 | 1993–2008 |
| Josh Heupel | Tennessee | 2-3 | 2021–2025 |
Player Highlights
Derrick Henry stands out as one of Alabama's premier rushers in the rivalry, amassing 221 yards and three touchdowns across two games in 2014 and 2015, including a pivotal 143-yard, two-touchdown effort in a 19-14 victory that helped secure the SEC title game berth.[50][51] Similarly, Najee Harris delivered a decisive performance for Alabama in 2020, rushing for 96 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries during a dominant 48-17 win, underscoring his role in powering the Tide's ground attack against Tennessee.[52] On the passing front, Tennessee's Hendon Hooker etched his name in rivalry lore with a career-high 385 passing yards and five touchdowns in the 2022 matchup, fueling a thrilling 52-49 upset that snapped Alabama's 15-game winning streak.[53] Alabama's Jalen Milroe has also shone in multiple encounters, notably throwing for 220 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-20 win in 2023, while adding 253 yards and two scores in the 2025 contest en route to a 37-20 triumph.[54][55] Defensively, Tennessee linebacker Al Wilson exemplified tenacity in the late 1990s, recording eight tackles and one sack in the 1998 victory over Alabama, contributing to the Vols' undefeated national championship campaign.[56] Alabama's Derrick Thomas, during his legendary 1988 season, terrorized Tennessee's offense with five tackles, three tackles for loss, and two sacks in a 28-10 rout, part of his NCAA-record 27 sacks that year.[57] Several Heisman Trophy recipients and finalists have left their mark on the series. Alabama's 2015 Heisman winner Derrick Henry not only dominated on the ground but also showcased his versatility in these matchups.[58] In the early eras, two-way standouts like Tennessee's Don Hutson, a 1934 Heisman runner-up and Hall of Fame end, excelled on both sides of the ball during the 1930s rivalry games, catching passes and defending as the Vols built their legacy. Recent standout moments include Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts contributing a 21-yard rushing touchdown in a 58-21 blowout in 2018. Tennessee's Josh Dobbs provided steady leadership in 2016, completing 16 of 27 passes for 205 yards in a 49-10 loss in rainy conditions, highlighting his resilience in high-stakes rivalry play.Notable Games
Memorable Matchups
The 1956 matchup in Knoxville saw Tennessee dominate Alabama with a 24-0 shutout, marking one of the Volunteers' most decisive victories in the rivalry's early television era. Speedy halfbacks Johnny Majors and Jim Carter led the charge, combining for key rushing touchdowns, including Majors' 10-yard score in the second quarter and Carter's 5-yard run later in the half, while the Tennessee defense held Alabama to just 127 total yards. Field position played a crucial role, as Tennessee's punter Bobby Majors averaged over 40 yards per kick, pinning Alabama deep in its own territory multiple times and limiting the Crimson Tide's offensive opportunities throughout the game.[59][60] In 1971, Alabama edged Tennessee 32-15 at Birmingham's Legion Field, a gritty affair where the Crimson Tide's ground game overwhelmed the Volunteers' stout defense. Running back Johnny Musso rushed for 107 yards and two touchdowns, including a 1-yard plunge in the third quarter that extended Alabama's lead to 23-15, while the secondary intercepted two passes to seal the win late. Coach Bear Bryant's squad controlled the line of scrimmage, amassing 283 rushing yards against a Tennessee unit that had allowed fewer than 90 per game entering the contest, turning the tide in a rivalry that had favored the Vols in recent years.[37] The 1998 clash at Neyland Stadium ended with Tennessee prevailing 35-18, a nail-biter fueled by the iconic "Punt Bama Punts" fan chant mocking Alabama's conservative play-calling. The victory extended Tennessee's winning streak to four games, propelling the Vols toward an undefeated season and national championship under Phillip Fulmer; the win also sparked the tradition of fans lighting victory cigars in the stands. Tennessee's 2009 effort against Alabama in Tuscaloosa fell just short in a 12-10 defensive battle, but it stands out for Lane Kiffin's bold strategy nearly toppling the top-ranked Crimson Tide. The Vols led 10-9 late in the fourth after a 22-yard field goal by Daniel Lincoln, but Alabama answered with a 44-yard Leigh Tiffin kick to regain the edge. Tennessee drove to the Alabama 25 for a potential game-winning 42-yard attempt with seconds left, only for nose tackle Terrence "Mount" Cody to block the kick, preserving the win and highlighting Kiffin's aggressive approach in his lone season as Vols head coach.[61] The 2022 thriller at Neyland Stadium saw No. 6 Tennessee stun No. 3 Alabama 52-49 on a last-second 40-yard field goal by Chase McGrath, shattering Alabama's 15-game winning streak in the series. Quarterback Hendon Hooker orchestrated a high-octane offense, passing for 385 yards and five touchdowns, including a 78-yard strike to Jalin Hyatt early in the fourth that gave the Vols a 42-35 lead. The game featured multiple lead changes, with Alabama tying it at 49 on a Jermaine Burton touchdown catch, but Tennessee responded with a 15-play, 67-yard drive to set up the winner, as Hooker's poise under pressure—evading sacks and extending plays—proved decisive in the highest-scoring Third Saturday in October ever.[62][63] In 2024, Tennessee handed Alabama a 24-17 defeat at Neyland Stadium, with freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava making his first career start a memorable one amid the rivalry's electric atmosphere. Iamaleava completed 16 of 25 passes for 184 yards and a touchdown, including a crucial 16-yard scoring strike to Chris Brazzell II in the third quarter that put the Vols up 17-10, while overcoming early interceptions to manage the game efficiently. Running back Dylan Sampson added two short touchdown runs, and linebacker Arion Carter's late interception sealed the victory, marking Tennessee's second straight win in the series and Iamaleava's poise as a pivotal factor in controlling the clock during key second-half possessions.[64]Upsets and Turning Points
One of the earliest turning points in the rivalry occurred in 1913, when Alabama defeated Tennessee 6-0 in Tuscaloosa, capping a nine-game winning streak for the Crimson Tide from 1905 to 1913 and contributing to the early rise of Alabama's program under coaches like Grant Green, who helped establish the team's competitive foundation in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association.[36][10] In 1982, Tennessee secured a 35-28 upset victory over Alabama in Knoxville, snapping the Crimson Tide's 11-game winning streak in the series (dating back to 1971) and initiating a four-game Vols winning run through 1985 under head coach Johnny Majors, which revitalized Tennessee's momentum during a period of Alabama dominance under Bear Bryant.[65][66][67] The 1997 game in Birmingham marked a significant shift as the final neutral-site matchup in the series, with Tennessee prevailing 38-21 to extend its winning streak to three games and fuel the Volunteers' momentum toward the 1998 undefeated season and national championship under Phillip Fulmer, signaling the end of the long-standing Birmingham era and bolstering Tennessee's SEC prominence heading into home-and-home scheduling.[68][69] Tennessee's 52-49 thriller in 2022 ended Alabama's 15-game series streak (2007-2021) and propelled the Volunteers to an 11-2 record, their first SEC East title since 2009, and renewed relevance in the conference under Josh Heupel, transforming program morale and recruiting after years of struggles.[70][71][72] Building on that momentum, Tennessee's 24-17 win in 2024 represented the second victory in three years against Alabama, underscoring the Vols' sustained resurgence under Heupel and affirming their status as a consistent SEC contender rather than a one-off success.[73][74][75] In 2025, Alabama reclaimed the series with a 37-20 victory over Tennessee in Tuscaloosa on October 18, snapping the Vols' two-game winning streak and reasserting Crimson Tide dominance under their current regime, with key defensive plays and efficient scoring drives influencing SEC standings as of November 2025.[27]Broader Impact
Rivalry Ties
The Third Saturday in October serves as a pivotal fixture in Alabama's SEC schedule, alongside the annual Iron Bowl against Auburn, forming a pair of high-stakes intrastate and interstate rivalries that often dictate the Crimson Tide's path to conference contention.[76] For Tennessee, the game complements its protected matchup with Vanderbilt—one of the oldest rivalries in the SEC, dating to 1892—creating a trio of emotionally charged contests that shape the Volunteers' season narrative and divisional standing.[77] These interlocking rivalries contribute to a "triple-threat" dynamic within the SEC, where outcomes can cascade through conference standings, amplifying the pressure on both programs to secure victories for broader postseason implications.[78] Historically, the Alabama-Tennessee series is embedded in the fabric of Deep South football rivalries, emerging in 1901 amid the region's burgeoning college athletics scene, though it remains distinct from the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry between Georgia and Auburn (inaugurated in 1892) and the longstanding Georgia-Tennessee clash (starting in 1899).[79] This positioning underscores its role as a cornerstone of SEC lore without overlapping the geographic or temporal primacy of those earlier contests. The game's results have frequently influenced SEC Championship access, with key wins propelling teams toward titles; for instance, Tennessee's 1998 victory over Alabama clinched the Volunteers' Eastern Division crown, paving the way for an undefeated season and national championship.[80] Similarly, Tennessee's 2022 upset of Alabama disrupted the Crimson Tide's divisional dominance and boosted the Vols into national title contention, altering playoff trajectories for both.[80] Personnel crossovers further intertwine the programs, exemplified by coaches like Bill Battle, who led Tennessee from 1970 to 1976 before serving as Alabama's athletics director from 2013 to 2017, and Jeremy Pruitt, an Alabama alumnus who later headed Tennessee's staff from 2018 to 2020.[81] In the modern era, the matchup carries heightened stakes for College Football Playoff seeding, as demonstrated by the 2025 contest where Alabama's 37-20 win bolstered its ranking and postseason positioning amid a competitive SEC landscape.[82][80]Legacy and Media
The Third Saturday in October rivalry has left an indelible mark on college football history, contributing significantly to the national championship legacies of both programs. Alabama's 18 claimed national titles and Tennessee's 6 have often hinged on pivotal performances in this series, with key victories propelling title runs; for instance, Alabama's 2015 win over Tennessee contributed to their championship run, while Tennessee's 1998 victory over Alabama was part of their undefeated path to the national title.[68] The rivalry's portrayal in media has amplified its cultural resonance, with high-profile broadcasts drawing massive audiences and underscoring its national significance. The 2022 Alabama-Tennessee game, a 52-49 Tennessee upset, garnered 11.56 million viewers on CBS, marking the season's highest-rated college football telecast and highlighting the matchup's enduring appeal. ESPN's College GameDay visited Knoxville for the game, further elevating the pre-game hype. Iconic calls by the CBS broadcast team have become part of the series' lore.[83][84] Documentaries and specials on SEC Network have chronicled the rivalry's intensity within the broader conference narrative. The eight-part, 12-hour series "Saturdays in the South: A History of SEC Football," originally premiered in 2019 with extended content in 2022, explores the evolution of SEC rivalries, including Alabama-Tennessee's role in shaping the conference's dominance. SEC Storied documentaries, such as those premiering in 2025, often reference the series' "miracle" moments and historical stakes, though dedicated films focus more on individual games or players. The Netflix series "SEC Football: Any Given Saturday," debuting in 2025, provides behind-the-scenes access to SEC matchups, featuring alumni reflections on the Third Saturday clashes.[85][86][87] Books dedicated to the rivalry offer detailed archival accounts, emphasizing its game-by-game drama. Al Browning's "Third Saturday in October: The Game-By-Game Story of the South's Most Intense Football Rivalry" (2001, second edition) chronicles every matchup from 1901 onward, drawing on historical records to illustrate the series' evolution and impact on both programs' identities. In the post-Nick Saban era, following his 2023 retirement, the rivalry continues to test Alabama's dominance under coach Kalen DeBoer. Alabama's 37-20 victory over Tennessee in 2025, part of a winning streak over ranked opponents, has stabilized the Crimson Tide's standing and reinforced the series' role in playoff aspirations, even as the program navigates roster changes and a 9-4 2024 season.[89][90]References
- https://www.[espn.com](/page/ESPN.com)/college-football/story/_/id/39345121/alabama-football-portal-tracker-nick-saban-retired