The 2022 “Third Saturday in October” will feature the first matchup in the storied rivalry’s history where both Alabama and Tennessee are ranked in the AP poll’s top six.
For the first time since 1989, the teams head into the game undefeated.
Given the magnitude of Saturday’s showdown, ESPN’s “College GameDay” will travel to Knoxville for the battle between the No. 3 Crimson Tide (6-0) and No. 6 Volunteers (6-0).
This is the first time ESPN’s pre-game show broadcast will feature the rivalry since it traveled to Birmingham in 1995. Alabama has opened up as a 7.5-point favorite over its biggest out-of-state rival.
Nick Saban’s squad has defeated Tennessee for 15 consecutive years. However, Josh Heupel’s high-powered offense will look to give the Tide’s defense its biggest challenge of the season.
Led by quarterback Hendon Hooker, the Volunteers have found immense success this season in its dynamic passing game.
Hooker has completed 70% of his passes thus far in his 2022 campaign. He has accounted for 1,432 passing yards and 10 touchdowns through the air, with no interceptions. On the ground, the quarterback has racked up 231 yards and three touchdowns.
Alabama’s fierce defense, led by star linebacker Will Anderson, ranks No. 6 nationally in total defense. The Crimson Tide ranks eighth in the nation against the rush, and 11th in total passing yards allowed.
Tennessee is coming off a dominant 40-13 victory over LSU in Death Valley. Alabama barely eked out a win Saturday over Texas A&M in a 24-20 thriller, which was decided on the final play of the game in a clutch goal-line stand.
Alabama hopes to have Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Bryce Young back for its trip to Neyland Stadium, as he continues to nurse a shoulder injury sustained in Week five against Arkansas.
In his post-game press conference after defeating the Aggies, Saban said his team would “have to see what kind of progress” Young will make in the days leading up to the Tennessee game.
“We’re going to play a really good team next week on the road, and we’ll certainly have to play a lot better to have a chance of being successful,” said Saban.
A rowdy environment will await the Crimson Tide’s return to Rocky Top, according to Heupel.
“I expect it to be, as far as our approach from our guys, expect it to be like it has been,” said Heupel, according to 24/7 Sports. “Everybody understands the opponent that we have … Everyone knows who is coming to town and the opportunity that we have. I expect next Saturday to be an electric atmosphere. Can’t imagine it won’t be louder, more hostile than it was for Florida. Looking forward to that.”
Alabama and Tennessee is featured as the SEC’s game of the week on CBS. Kickoff is scheduled Saturday for 2:30 p.m. CST.
Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
