View source for Third Saturday in October

{{short description|American college football rivalry game}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox sports rivalry
 | wide                     = yes
 | name                     = Third Saturday in October
 | image                     = 
 | image_size                     = 
 | caption                     = 
 | team1                     = [[Alabama Crimson Tide football|Alabama Crimson Tide]]
 | team1logo                     = Alabama Athletics logo.svg
 | team2                     = [[Tennessee Volunteers football|Tennessee Volunteers]]
 | team2logo                     = UT Volunteers logo.svg
 | sport                     = 
 | firstmeeting                     = November 28, 1901<br />Tennessee 6, Alabama 6
 | mostrecent                     = October 19, 2024<br />Tennessee 24, Alabama 17
 | nextmeeting                     = October 18, 2025
 | total                     = 107
 | series                     = Alabama leads, 59–40–7
 | largestvictory                     = Alabama, 51–0 (1906)
 | longeststreak                     = Alabama, 15 (2007–2021)<br />Tennessee, 7 (1995–2001)
 | longestunbeatenstreak                     = 
 | currentstreak                     = Tennessee, 1 (2024–present)
 | currentunbeatenstreak                     = 
 | trophy                     = 
 | trophy series                     = 
 | stadiums                     = 
}}
{{OSM Location map        
| coord = {{coord|34.5|-85.5}}
| zoom = 6
| width = 295 
| height = 250
| caption = Locations of Alabama and Tennessee
| mark1 = Red pog.svg
| label1 = Alabama
| mark-coord1 = {{coord|33.210833|-87.546111}}
| label-pos1 = bottom
| label-color1 = black
| mark2 = Orange pog.svg
| label2 = Tennessee
| mark-coord2 = {{coord|35.951|-83.930}}
| label-pos2 = top
| label-color2 = black
}}
The '''Third Saturday in October''' is an American [[college football]] [[college rivalry|rivalry]] game played annually by the [[Alabama Crimson Tide football|Crimson Tide]] of the [[University of Alabama]] and the [[Tennessee Volunteers football|Volunteers]] of the [[University of Tennessee]].<ref name="beano">{{Cite web |last=Cook |first=Beano |author-link=Beano Cook |date=October 17, 2001 |title=ESPN Classic - The third Saturday in October |url=https://www.espn.com/classic/s/beano_tenmia.html |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=[[ESPN.com]]}}</ref> The respective campuses are located approximately {{convert|310|mi|km}} apart.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Distance between University of Alabama campus to University of Tennessee campus |url=https://www.google.com/maps/dir/The+University+of+Alabama,+Tuscaloosa,+AL/University+of+Tennessee,+Knoxville,+TN+37996/@34.4440404,-86.093418,8.58z/data=!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x888602998cde20bb:0xdf0e29abdbae0912!2m2!1d-87.5391418!2d33.2140233!1m5!1m1!1s0x885c17e0aa4a6f21:0xa4914a748b5294c!2m2!1d-83.9294564!2d35.9544013/ |access-date=August 5, 2016 |publisher=[[Google Maps]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Distance Between Tuscaloosa, AL and Knoxville, TN |url=http://www.distancebetweencities.net/tuscaloosa_al_and_knoxville_tn/ |access-date=August 6, 2016 |publisher=Distance Between Cities}}</ref> 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.<ref name="beano" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schexnayder |first=C. J. |date=October 20, 2011 |title=RBR Reading Room: Third Saturday in October |url=https://www.rollbamaroll.com/2011/10/20/2408001/rbr-reading-room-third-saturday-in-october |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=Roll 'Bama Roll |language=en}}</ref> From 1995 to 2024, it has only been scheduled on that date 9 times. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Kelley |first=Kevin |date=October 29, 2015 |title=2016 SEC Football Schedule Announced |url=http://www.fbschedules.com/2015/10/2016-sec-football-schedule-announced/ |access-date=July 27, 2016 |publisher=fbschedules}}</ref> Alabama leads the series 59–40–8.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Record Book |url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/alab/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/history-stats.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090320130713/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/alab/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/history-stats.pdf |archive-date=March 20, 2009 |access-date=October 25, 2008 |publisher=University of Alabama Athletics }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Alabama–Tennessee Record |url=http://www.mcubed.net/ncaaf/series/al/tn.shtml |access-date=August 7, 2016 |publisher=mcubed.net}}</ref> At 40 wins, Tennessee has more victories over Alabama than any other program in college football. Likewise, at 59 wins, Alabama has more victories over Tennessee than any other program in college football.

==Series history==
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.

[[File:Major Robert Reese Neyland.png|thumb|Coach Neyland|100px]]
Beginning in 1928, the rivalry was scheduled on its "traditional" date. [[Robert Neyland]], Tennessee's coach and namesake of the present Tennessee stadium, began challenging Alabama for their perennial spot on top of the conference standings. It was officially given the name Third Saturday in October 1939.<ref name="Fox Sports">{{Cite web |date=June 19, 2008 |title=Flashback: The Great Games — The All-Time Top 10 |url=http://gate21.net/2008/06/19/flashback-the-great-games-the-all-time-top-10/ |access-date=August 6, 2016 |work=Fox Sports}}</ref> Both Robert Neyland and [[Bear Bryant]] made the rivalry heated during their tenure at Tennessee and Alabama.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Browning |first=Al |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=akYFAAAACAAJ |title=Third Saturday in October: The Game-By-Game Story of the South's Most Intense Football Rivalry |publisher=Cumberland House |year=2001 |isbn=978-1-58182-217-5}}</ref>

[[File:Bear Bryant 1945.jpg|thumb|Coach Bryant|100px]]

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, 11–4.

Alabama and Tennessee both have 12 shutouts in the series.

===Victory cigars===
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.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dunnavant |first=Keith |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FMZYRyuuaKcC |title=The Missing Ring: How Bear Bryant and the 1966 Alabama Crimson Tide Were Denied College Football's Most Elusive Prize |publisher=Macmillan |year=2006 |isbn=978-0-312-33683-7 |page=170 |chapter=The Missing Ring|via=Google Books}}</ref> Both teams continued the tradition for some time, though kept it secret due to [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] rules concerning extra benefits and tobacco products. Alabama publicly restarted the tradition in 2005, though as a result, self-reported an NCAA violation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 21, 2006 |title=The Third Saturday in October |url=http://onlineathens.com/stories/102106/football_20061021016.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081458/http://onlineathens.com/stories/102106/football_20061021016.shtml |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=October 25, 2008 |website=OnlineAthens.com |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Every year since 2007, the winner of the Alabama–Tennessee game knowingly violates the NCAA rule and reports the violation in honor of tradition.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Patrick |date=October 19, 2008 |title=Alabama/Tennessee to Commit NCAA Violation This Saturday |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/70697-alabamatennessee-to-commit-ncaa-violation-this-saturday |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref>

=== Streaks ===

The Alabama–Tennessee rivalry has been known for streaks.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walsh |first=Christopher |date=October 23, 2014 |title=Despite streaks, ‘Third Saturday in October’ still a big rivalry |url=https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/alabama-football/despite-streaks-third-saturday-october-still-big-rivalry/ |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=Saturday Down South |language=en-US}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Fox Sports" />

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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Sam |date=October 12, 2022 |title=SERIES HISTORY: The 15-year win streak Alabama has over Tennessee |url=https://rolltidewire.usatoday.com/lists/alabama-vs-tennessee-all-time-series-record/ |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=Roll Tide Wire|publisher=USA Today |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Stephenson">{{Cite web |last=Stephenson |first=Creg |date=October 12, 2022 |title=5 ‘streak-starters’ that have defined Alabama-Tennessee |url=https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/2022/10/alabama-vs-tennessee-5-streak-starters-that-defined-rivalrys-last-5-decades.html |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=AL.com |language=en}}</ref>

== Game results ==
''Rankings are from the [[AP Poll]]''

{{Sports rivalry series table
| series_summary = yes | cols = 2 
| legend_tie_text = Ties
| team1 = Alabama
| team1style = {{CollegePrimaryStyle|Alabama Crimson Tide}}
| team2 =  Tennessee
| team2style = {{CollegePrimaryStyle|Tennessee Volunteers|color=black}}  
| legend_forfeit_text = Forfeits / Vacated wins {{#tag:ref|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.<ref>{{cite news |date=May 28, 2019 |url=https://www.ledger-enquirer.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-alabama/article29055703.html |title=A timeline of Alabama's NCAA problems |work=Ledger-Enquirer |location=Columbus, GA |agency=[[Associated Press]] |access-date=December 23, 2022}}</ref><ref name=SR>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/friv/forfeits.html|title=Forfeits and Vacated Games|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref>|group="n"|name="forfeit"}}{{#tag:ref|Alabama's 2005 victory was vacated as part of NCAA sanctions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Estes |first=Gentry |date=March 23, 2010 |title=NCAA upholds vacated wins penalties in the University of Alabama's textbook case (Updated with UA reaction) |url=https://www.al.com/bamabeat/2010/03/ncaa_upholds_penalties_in_the.html |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=AL.com |quote=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.}}</ref><ref name=SR />|group="n"|name="vacated"}}

| November 28, 1901 | Birmingham, AL | Tie | 6 | Tie | 6
| November 26, 1903 | Birmingham, AL | Alabama | 24 | Tennessee | 0
| November 24, 1904 | Birmingham, AL | Tennessee | 5 | Alabama | 0
| November 30, 1905 | Birmingham, AL | Alabama | 29 | Tennessee | 0
| November 29, 1906 | Birmingham, AL | Alabama | 51 | Tennessee | 0
| November 28, 1907 | Birmingham, AL | Alabama | 5 | Tennessee | 0
| November 26, 1908 | Birmingham, AL | Alabama | 4 | Tennessee | 0
| November 13, 1909 | Knoxville, TN | Alabama | 10 | Tennessee | 0
| November 28, 1912 | Birmingham, AL | Alabama | 7 | Tennessee | 0
| November 14, 1913 | Tuscaloosa, AL | Alabama | 6 | Tennessee | 0
| October 24, 1914 | Knoxville, TN | Tennessee | 17 | Alabama | 7
| October 20, 1928 | Tuscaloosa, AL | Tennessee | 15 | Alabama | 13
| October 19, 1929 | Knoxville, TN | Tennessee | 6 | Alabama | 0
| October 18, 1930 | Tuscaloosa, AL | Alabama | 18 | Tennessee | 6
| October 17, 1931 | Knoxville, TN | Tennessee | 25 | Alabama | 0
| October 15, 1932 | Birmingham, AL | Tennessee | 7 | Alabama | 3
| October 21, 1933 | Knoxville, TN | Alabama | 12 | Tennessee | 6
| October 20, 1934 | Birmingham, AL | Alabama | 13 | Tennessee | 6
| October 19, 1935 | Knoxville, TN | Alabama | 25 | Tennessee | 0
| October 17, 1936 | Birmingham, AL | Tie | 0 | Tie | 0
| October 16, 1937 | Knoxville, TN | Alabama | 14 | Tennessee | 7
| October 15, 1938 | Birmingham, AL | Tennessee | 13 | Alabama | 0
| October 21, 1939 | Knoxville, TN | #5 Tennessee | 21 | #8 Alabama | 0
| October 19, 1940 | Birmingham, AL | #5 Tennessee | 27 | Alabama | 12
| October 18, 1941 | Knoxville, TN | Alabama | 9 | Tennessee | 2
| October 17, 1942 | Birmingham, AL | #4 Alabama | 8 | #15 Tennessee | 0
| October 21, 1944 | Knoxville, TN | Tie | 0 | Tie | 0
| October 20, 1945 | Birmingham, AL | #6 Alabama | 25 | Tennessee | 7
| October 19, 1946 | Knoxville, TN | #9 Tennessee | 12 | #7 Alabama | 0
| October 18, 1947 | Birmingham, AL | Alabama | 10 | Tennessee | 0
| October 16, 1948 | Knoxville, TN | Tennessee | 21 | Alabama | 6
| October 15, 1949 | Birmingham, AL | Tie | 7 | Tie | 7
| October 21, 1950 | Knoxville, TN | #18 Tennessee | 14 | Alabama | 9
| October 20, 1951 | Birmingham, AL | #2 Tennessee | 27 | Alabama | 13
| October 18, 1952 | Knoxville, TN | Tennessee | 15 | #18 Alabama | 0
| October 17, 1953 | Birmingham, AL | Tie | 0 | Tie | 0
| October 16, 1954 | Knoxville, TN | Alabama | 27 | Tennessee | 0
| October 15, 1955 | Birmingham, AL | Tennessee | 20 | Alabama | 0
| October 20, 1956 | Knoxville, TN | #7 Tennessee | 24 | Alabama | 0
| October 19, 1957 | Birmingham, AL | Tennessee | 14 | Alabama | 0
| October 18, 1958 | Knoxville, TN | Tennessee | 14 | Alabama | 7
| October 17, 1959 | Birmingham, AL | Tie | 7 | Tie | 7
| October 15, 1960 | Knoxville, TN | Tennessee | 20 | #15 Alabama | 7
| October 21, 1961 | Birmingham, AL | #5 Alabama | 34 | Tennessee | 3
| October 20, 1962 | Knoxville, TN | #2 Alabama | 27 | Tennessee | 7
| October 19, 1963 | Birmingham, AL | #9 Alabama | 35 | Tennessee | 0
| October 17, 1964 | Knoxville, TN | #3 Alabama | 19 | Tennessee | 8
| October 16, 1965 | Birmingham, AL | Tie | 7 | Tie | 7
| October 15, 1966 | Knoxville, TN | #3 Alabama | 11 | Tennessee | 10
| October 21, 1967 | Birmingham, AL | #7 Tennessee | 24 | #6 Alabama | 13
| October 19, 1968 | Knoxville, TN | #8 Tennessee | 10 | Alabama | 9
| October 18, 1969 | Birmingham, AL | #13 Tennessee | 41 | #20 Alabama | 14
| October 17, 1970 | Knoxville, TN | #14 Tennessee | 24 | Alabama | 0
| October 16, 1971 | Birmingham, AL | #4 Alabama | 32 | #14 Tennessee | 15
| October 21, 1972 | Knoxville, TN | #3 Alabama | 17 | #10 Tennessee | 10
| October 20, 1973 | Birmingham, AL | #2 Alabama | 42 | #10 Tennessee | 21
| October 19, 1974 | Knoxville, TN | #4 Alabama | 28 | Tennessee | 6
| October 18, 1975 | Birmingham, AL | #6 Alabama | 30 | #16 Tennessee | 7
| October 16, 1976 | Knoxville, TN | #20 Alabama | 20 | Tennessee | 13
| October 15, 1977 | Birmingham, AL | #4 Alabama | 24 | Tennessee | 10
| October 21, 1978 | Knoxville, TN | #4 Alabama | 30 | Tennessee | 17
| October 20, 1979 | Birmingham, AL | #1 Alabama | 27 | #18 Tennessee | 17
| October 18, 1980 | Knoxville, TN | #1 Alabama | 27 | Tennessee | 0
| October 17, 1981 | Birmingham, AL | #15 Alabama | 38 | Tennessee | 19
| October 16, 1982 | Knoxville, TN | Tennessee | 35 | #2 Alabama | 28
| October 15, 1983 | Birmingham, AL | Tennessee | 41 | #11 Alabama | 34
| October 20, 1984 | Knoxville, TN | Tennessee | 28 | Alabama | 27
| October 19, 1985 | Birmingham, AL | #20 Tennessee | 16 | #15 Alabama | 14
| October 18, 1986 | Knoxville, TN | #2 Alabama | 56 | Tennessee | 28
| October 17, 1987 | Birmingham, AL | Alabama | 41 | #8 Tennessee | 22
| October 15, 1988 | Knoxville, TN | Alabama | 28 | Tennessee | 20
| October 21, 1989 | Birmingham, AL | #10 Alabama | 47 | #6 Tennessee | 30
| October 20, 1990 | Knoxville, TN | Alabama | 9 | #3 Tennessee | 6
| October 19, 1991 | Birmingham, AL | #14 Alabama | 24 | #8 Tennessee | 19
| October 17, 1992 | Knoxville, TN | #4 Alabama | 17 | #13 Tennessee | 10
| October 16, 1993 | Birmingham, AL | #10 Tennessee | 17 | #2 Alabama† | 17 |win76=Tennessee
| October 15, 1994 | Knoxville, TN | #10 Alabama | 17 | Tennessee | 13
| October 14, 1995 | Birmingham, AL | #6 Tennessee | 41 | #11 Alabama | 14
| October 26, 1996 | Knoxville, TN | #6 Tennessee | 20 | #7 Alabama | 13
| October 18, 1997 | Birmingham, AL | #9 Tennessee | 38 | Alabama | 21
| October 24, 1998 | Knoxville, TN | #3 Tennessee | 35 | Alabama | 18
| October 23, 1999 | Tuscaloosa, AL | #5 Tennessee | 21 | #10 Alabama | 7
| October 21, 2000 | Knoxville, TN | Tennessee | 20 | Alabama | 10
| October 20, 2001 | Tuscaloosa, AL | #11 Tennessee | 35 | Alabama | 24
| October 26, 2002 | Knoxville, TN | #19 Alabama | 34 | #16 Tennessee | 14
| October 25, 2003 | Tuscaloosa, AL | #22 Tennessee | 51 | Alabama | 43<sup>5OT</sup>
| October 23, 2004 | Knoxville, TN | #11 Tennessee | 17 | Alabama | 13
| October 22, 2005 | Tuscaloosa, AL | #5 Alabama‡ | 6 | #17 Tennessee | 3 |win88=none
| October 21, 2006 | Knoxville, TN | #7 Tennessee | 16 | Alabama | 13
| October 20, 2007 | Tuscaloosa, AL | Alabama | 41 | #20 Tennessee | 17
| October 25, 2008 | Knoxville, TN | #2 Alabama | 29 | Tennessee | 9
| October 24, 2009 | Tuscaloosa, AL | #1 Alabama | 12 | Tennessee | 10
| October 23, 2010 | Knoxville, TN | #8 Alabama | 41 | Tennessee | 10
| October 22, 2011 | Tuscaloosa, AL | #2 Alabama | 37 | Tennessee | 6
| October 20, 2012 | Knoxville, TN | #1 Alabama | 44 | Tennessee | 13
| October 26, 2013 | Tuscaloosa, AL | #1 Alabama | 45 | Tennessee | 10
| October 25, 2014 | Knoxville, TN | #4 Alabama | 34 | Tennessee | 20
| October 24, 2015 | Tuscaloosa, AL | #8 Alabama | 19 | Tennessee | 14
| October 15, 2016 | Knoxville, TN | #1 Alabama | 49 | #9 Tennessee | 10
| October 21, 2017 | Tuscaloosa, AL | #1 Alabama | 45 | Tennessee | 7
| October 20, 2018 | Knoxville, TN | #1 Alabama | 58 | Tennessee | 21
| October 19, 2019 | Tuscaloosa, AL | #1 Alabama | 35 | Tennessee | 13
| October 24, 2020 | Knoxville, TN | #2 Alabama | 48 | Tennessee | 17
| October 23, 2021 | Tuscaloosa, AL | #4 Alabama | 52 | Tennessee | 24
| October 15, 2022 | Knoxville, TN | #6 Tennessee | 52 | #3 Alabama | 49
| October 21, 2023 | Tuscaloosa, AL | #11 Alabama | 34 | #17 Tennessee | 20
| October 19, 2024 | Knoxville, TN | #11 Tennessee| 24| #7 Alabama| 17}}

{{reflist|group=n}}

=== Results by location ===
''As of October 19, 2024''
{| class="wikitable"
!State
!City
!Games
! style="{{NCAA color cell|Alabama Crimson Tide}}" |Alabama victories
! style="{{NCAA color cell|Tennessee Volunteers}}" |Tennessee victories
! style="text-align:center; background:white; color:black;" |Ties
!Years played
|-
!Tennessee
|Knoxville
| style="text-align:center;" |50
| style="text-align:center;" |27
| style="text-align:center;" |22
| style="text-align:center;" |1
| style="text-align:center;" |1909–present
|-
! rowspan="2" |Alabama
|Birmingham
| style="text-align:center;" |41
| style="text-align:center;" |21
| style="text-align:center;" |14
| style="text-align:center;" |6
| style="text-align:center;" |1901–1912, 1932–1997
|-
|Tuscaloosa
| style="text-align:center;" |16
| style="text-align:center;" |11
| style="text-align:center;" |4
| style="text-align:center;" |0
| style="text-align:center;" |1913–1930, 1999–present
|}

=== Summary by decade ===
''As of October 19, 2024''
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
!Years
!Games
! style="{{NCAA color cell|Alabama Crimson Tide}}" |Alabama victories
! style="{{NCAA color cell|Tennessee Volunteers}}" |Tennessee victories
! style="text-align:center; background:white; color:black;" |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
|5
|3
|2
|0
|'''Alabama 200'''–Tennessee 137
|-
!Total
!107
!59
!40
!7
!Alabama 2,154–Tennessee 1,526
|}

== Coaching records ==
''As of October 19, 2024''

=== Alabama ===
{| class="sortable wikitable" style="text-align:center"
!Head Coach
!Games
!Seasons
!Wins
!Losses
!Ties
!Win %
|-
| align="left" |[[Kalen DeBoer]]
|1
|2024–present
|0
|1
|0
|0.000
|-
| align="left" |[[Nick Saban]]
|17
|2007–2023
|16
|1
|0
|0.941
|-
| align="left" |[[Mike Shula]]
|4
|2003–2006
|0
|4
|0
|0.000
|-
| align="left" |[[Dennis Franchione]]
|2
|2001–2002
|1
|1
|0
|0.500
|-
| align="left" |[[Mike DuBose]]
|4
|1997–2000
|0
|4
|0
|0.000
|-
| align="left" |[[Gene Stallings]]
|7
|1990–1996
|4
|3
|0
|0.571
|-
| align="left" |[[Bill Curry]]
|3
|1987–1989
|3
|0
|0
|1.000
|-
| align="left" |[[Ray Perkins]]
|4
|1983–1986
|1
|3
|0
|0.250
|-
| align="left" |[[Bear Bryant]]
|25
|1958–1982
|16
|7
|2
|0.696
|-
| align="left" |[[Jennings B. Whitworth]]
|3
|1955–1957
|0
|3
|0
|0.000
|-
| align="left" |[[Harold Drew]]
|8
|1947–1954
|2
|4
|2
|0.375
|-
| align="left" |[[Frank Thomas (American football)|Frank Thomas]]
|15
|1931–1946
|7
|6
|2
|0.533
|-
| align="left" |[[Wallace Wade]]
|3
|1923–1930
|1
|2
|0
|0.333
|-
| align="left" |[[D. V. Graves|D.V Graves]]
|3
|1911–1914
|2
|1
|0
|0.666
|-
| align="left" |[[J. W. H. Pollard|J.W.H. Pollard]]
|4
|1906–1909
|4
|0
|0
|1.000
|-
| align="left" |[[Jack Leavenworth]]
|1
|1905
|1
|0
|0
|1.000
|-
| align="left" |[[W. A. Blount|W.B. Blount]]
|2
|1903–1904
|1
|1
|0
|0.500
|-
| align="left" |[[M. S. Harvey|M.S. Harvey]]
|1
|1901
|0
|0
|1
|0.500
|}

=== Tennessee ===
{| class="sortable wikitable" style="text-align:center"
!Head Coach
!Games
!Seasons
!Wins
!Losses
!Ties
!Win %
|-
| align="left" |[[Josh Heupel]]
|4
|2021–present
|2
|2
|0
|0.500
|-
| align="left" |[[Jeremy Pruitt]]
|3
|2018–2020
|0
|3
|0
|0.000
|-
| align="left" |[[Butch Jones]]
|5
|2013–2017
|0
|5
|0
|0.000
|-
| align="left" |[[Derek Dooley (American football)|Derek Dooley]]
|3
|2010–2012
|0
|3
|0
|0.000
|-
| align="left" |[[Lane Kiffin]]
|1
|2009
|0
|1
|0
|0.000
|-
| align="left" |[[Phillip Fulmer]]
|16
|1992–2008
|11
|4
|0
|0.733
|-
| align="left" |[[Johnny Majors]]
|16
|1977–1992
|4
|12
|0
|0.250
|-
| align="left" |[[Bill Battle]]
|7
|1970–1976
|1
|6
|0
|0.143
|-
| align="left" |[[Doug Dickey]]
|6
|1964–1969
|3
|2
|1
|0.583
|-
| align="left" |[[Jim McDonald (American football coach)|Jim McDonald]]
|1
|1963
|0
|1
|0
|0.000
|-
| align="left" |[[Bowden Wyatt]]
|8
|1955–1962
|5
|2
|1
|0.688
|-
| align="left" |[[Harvey Robinson]]
|2
|1953–1954
|0
|1
|1
|0.250
|-
| align="left" |[[Robert Neyland]]
|19
|1926–1934, 1936–1940, 1946–1952
|12
|5
|2
|0.684
|-
| align="left" |[[John Barnhill (American football)|John Barnhill]]
|4
|1941–1942, 1944–1945
|0
|3
|1
|0.125
|-
| align="left" |[[W. H. Britton|W.H. Britton]]
|1
|1935
|0
|1
|0
|0.000
|-
| align="left" |[[Zora G. Clevenger]]
|3
|1911–1915
|1
|2
|0
|0.333
|-
| align="left" |[[George Levene]]
|3
|1907–1909
|0
|3
|0
|0.000
|-
| align="left" |[[James DePree]]
|2
|1905–1906
|0
|2
|0
|0.000
|-
| align="left" |[[Sax Crawford]]
|1
|1904
|1
|0
|0
|1.000
|-
| align="left" |[[Hubert Fisher]]
|1
|1902–1903
|0
|1
|0
|0.000
|-
| align="left" |[[Gilbert Kelly]]
|1
|1901
|0
|0
|1
|0.500
|}

== Notable games ==

'''1901''': 1901 was the first meeting between the two teams.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walsh |first=Christopher |date=October 21, 2023 |title=Nothing Describes Alabama, Tennessee Football Rivalry Better Than 'Bully' |url=https://www.si.com/college/alabama/football/nothing-describes-alabama-tennessee-rivalry-better-bully |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=Sports Illustrated |language=en}}</ref> It ended early in a 6–6 tie, when fans rushed onto the field after a controversial [[Offside (American football)|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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1901 Alabama football schedule |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/m-footbl-results-archive.html#1901 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125000700/http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/m-footbl-results-archive.html#1901 |archive-date=November 25, 2011 |access-date=August 5, 2016 |website=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics}}</ref>

'''1903''': Alabama recorded their first victory in the series with a 24–0 victory in Birmingham.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schexnayder |first=C. J. |date=October 20, 2010 |title=Alabama vs Tennessee: A Historical Retrospective |url=https://www.rollbamaroll.com/2010/10/20/1595268/alabama-vs-tennessee-a-historical-retrospective |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=Roll 'Bama Roll |language=en}}</ref>

'''1904''': Tennessee recorded their first victory in the series with a 5–0 victory in Birmingham.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lay |first=Ken |date=October 18, 2021 |title=Tennessee-Alabama: The all-time series |url=https://volswire.usatoday.com/2021/10/18/tennessee-alabama-the-all-time-series/ |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=Vols Wire|publisher=USA Today |language=en-US}}</ref>

'''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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Tennessee Football Programs: 1990 Football Guide |url=http://diglib.lib.utk.edu/fbpro/main.php?bid=703&pg=13&catid=3 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111001117/http://diglib.lib.utk.edu/fbpro/main.php?bid=703&pg=13&catid=3 |archive-date=November 11, 2017 |website=University of Tennessee}}</ref>

'''1939''': In 1939, #5 Tennessee defeated Alabama 21–0. At this time, the Alabama–Tennessee rivalry was officially designated as '''Third Saturday in October'''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Crigler |first=Hayden |date=October 23, 2021 |title=Third Saturday in October: Quick history, and two goals for the Tide against Tennessee |url=https://yellowhammernews.com/third-saturday-in-october-quick-history-and-two-goals-for-the-tide-against-tennessee/ |access-date=February 23, 2024 |website=Yellowhammer News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Noah |date=October 19, 2017 |title=Tennessee-Alabama: The 10 Best Games of The Third Saturday in October |url=https://www.rockytoptalk.com/2017/10/19/16503406/tennessee-alabama-the-10-best-games-of-the-third-saturday-in-october-college-football |access-date=February 23, 2024 |website=Rocky Top Talk |language=en}}</ref>

'''1950''': Alabama had a  3–0 first quarter lead with his 20-yard [[Field goal (American and Canadian football)|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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Watkins |first=Edwin |date=October 22, 1950 |title=Last minute Vol T.D. defeats Alabama 14–9 |page=1 |work=The Tuscaloosa News |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ge8-AAAAIBAJ&sjid=OU0MAAAAIBAJ&pg=6075%2C1793286 |access-date=August 5, 2016}}</ref>

'''1951''': The matchup between Alabama and Tennessee was the first game of football played in the [[Deep South]] to be televised.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Walsh |first=Christopher J. |url=https://archive.org/details/wherefootballisk0000wals/ |title=Where Football is King: A History of the SEC |publisher=[[Taylor Trade Publishing]] |year=2006 |p=16 |isbn=978-1-58979-355-2 |edition=First Taylor Trade Publishing |location=Lanham, Maryland |oclc=64335804}}</ref>

'''1964''': In 1964, [[David Ray (American football)|David Ray]] gave the Crimson Tide an early 3–0 lead after he connected on a 30-yard [[Field goal (American and Canadian football)|field goal]] in the first quarter.<ref name="UT1">{{Cite news |last=Land |first=Charles |date=October 18, 1964 |title=Tide handles Vols, 19–8 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Cw4fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ApsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7334%2C2733178 |access-date=January 20, 2012 |work=The Tuscaloosa News|via=Google News |page=9}}</ref><ref name="UT2">{{Cite news |date=October 16, 1964 |title=Alabama beats Tennessee 19–8 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-eBXAAAAIBAJ&sjid=GekDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5711%2C673694 |access-date=January 20, 2012 |work=The Spokesman-Review|via=Google News |page=C4 |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> 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 (gridiron football)|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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 18, 1964 |title=Crimson Tide Wins, 19–8 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/10/18/archives/crimson-tide-wins-198.html |access-date=February 23, 2024 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref>

'''1965''': In a game that saw multiple turnovers result in failed touchdown opportunities, Alabama tied [[University of Tennessee|Tennessee]] 7–7 at Legion Field.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 7, 2015 |title=Nashville Then: Tennessee vs. Alabama in Birmingham in 1965 |url=https://www.tennessean.com/picture-gallery/sports/college/ut/2015/10/07/nashville-then-tennessee-vs-alabama-in-birmingham-in-1965/73527164/ |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=The Tennessean |language=en-US}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Smothers |first=Jimmy |date=October 17, 1965 |title=Tide flows out, Vols happy at 7–7 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=LBEpAAAAIBAJ&sjid=BdcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1127%2C1771101 |access-date=August 6, 2016 |work=The Gadsden Times|via=Google News |page=21}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Land |first=Charles |date=October 17, 1965 |title=Tide, Vols tie |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-Q4fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=D5sEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7356%2C2506747 |access-date=September 19, 2011 |work=The Tuscaloosa News|via=Google News |page=9}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=October 17, 1965 |title=Bear takes blame for costly miscue |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HQQsAAAAIBAJ&sjid=o8cEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3235%2C6026596 |access-date=January 20, 2016 |work=The Florence Times|via=Google News |page=15}}</ref>

'''1966''': A week following Alabama's win over Clemson, Alabama regained the No. 3 position in the [[AP Poll]] prior to the game against [[University of Tennessee|Tennessee]]. At a rain-soaked [[Neyland Stadium]], Alabama overcame a 10–0 fourth quarter deficit and defeated the [[Tennessee Volunteers football|Vols]] 11–10 and preserved their perfect record.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 16, 1966 |title=Tide nips Tennessee |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=DshhAAAAIBAJ&sjid=W3QNAAAAIBAJ&pg=2196%2C2430650 |access-date=August 6, 2016 |work=Star-News|via=Google News |page=3C |agency=UPI}}</ref> 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 (American and Canadian football)|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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Land |first=Charles |date=October 16, 1966 |title=Miracle-working Tide turns water into win |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=dxAdAAAAIBAJ&sjid=GZsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5471%2C2332043 |access-date=November 30, 2011 |work=The Tuscaloosa News|via=Google News |page=11}}</ref>

'''1967''': In 1967, both Alabama and Tennessee were ranked in top ten.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Olan |first=Ben |date=October 17, 1967 |title=Alabama climbs to 6th |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=hf0cAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LJsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7214%2C3182862 |access-date=August 8, 2016 |work=The Tuscaloosa News|via=Google News |page=6 |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref><ref name="Land 11">{{Cite news |last=Land |first=Charles |date=October 22, 1967 |title=Vols bag a 'Big One' |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=iP0cAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LJsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4397%2C3806574 |access-date=August 8, 2016 |work=The Tuscaloosa News|via=Google News |page=11}}</ref> 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 (American and Canadian football)|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 [[Interception|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 Alabama Crimson Tide football team|1960 season]].<ref name="Land 11" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=October 22, 1967 |title=Tide dealt first loss as Vols end streak |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=tGBIAAAAIBAJ&sjid=UwUEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5498%2C4660036 |access-date=August 6, 2016 |work=Ocala Star-Banner|via=Google News |page=11 |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref>

'''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 [[Tennessee Volunteers football|Volunteers]] held onto a 10–9 victory at Knoxville.<ref name="TN1">{{Cite news |last=Land |first=Charles |date=October 20, 1968 |title=Gallant Tide falls 10–9 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ukUgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=MJsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6709%2C3856753 |access-date=October 14, 2013 |work=The Tuscaloosa News|via=Google News |page=11}}</ref> Tennessee took an early 7–0 lead in the first quarter after [[Richmond Flowers (American football)|Richmond Flowers]] scored on a one-yard touchdown run. Alabama responded later in the quarter with a 28-yard Mike Dean [[Field goal (American and Canadian football)|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.<ref name="TN2">{{Cite news |date=October 20, 1968 |title=Tennessee edges Bama on 54-yard field goal |page=D4 |work=The Blade|via=Google News |agency=UPI |location=Toledo, Ohio |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=4yZPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ngEEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5840%2C790495 |access-date=October 14, 2013}}</ref><ref name="TN3">{{Cite news |date=October 20, 1968 |title=Tennessee beats Alabama, 10 to 9 |page=S1 |work=The New York Times |agency=[[Associated Press]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1968/10/20/archives/tennessee-beats-alabama-10-to-9-kremsers-record-54yard-field-goal.html |access-date=October 14, 2013}}</ref>

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 (American football)|Scott Hunter]] that made the score 10–9. However, instead of playing for the tie and kicking the [[Conversion (gridiron football)|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.<ref name="TN2" />

'''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 (American and Canadian football)|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 (American football coach)|John Mitchell]] recovered a Holloway [[fumble]] at the Vols' 17-yard line. On the next play, [[Terry Davis (American football)|Terry Davis]] gave Alabama a 17–10 lead with his touchdown run with just over one minute left in the game.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 22, 1972 |title=Alabama downs Tennessee 17–10 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=92g0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=yAkEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4371%2C4953162 |access-date=August 5, 2011 |work=Star-News|via=Google News |page=3C |agency=UPI}}</ref> The victory improved Alabama's all-time record against Tennessee to 25–23–7.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Harris |first=Jack |date=October 22, 1972 |title=Alabama, Auburn 'come home late' |page=25 |work=The Florence Times|via=Google News |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=bc4yAAAAIBAJ&sjid=rMcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1188%2C4022004 |access-date=August 5, 2016}}</ref>

'''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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lay |first=Ken |date=October 22, 2020 |title=1982: Vols outlast Crimson Tide, 35-28 |url=https://volswire.usatoday.com/2020/10/22/alabama-crimson-tide-tennessee-vols-johnny-majors-bear-bryant-1982/ |access-date=February 23, 2024 |website=Vols Wire|publisher=USA Today |language=en-US}}</ref>  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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Bill |date=June 26, 2020 |title=Vol Network Classics: 1982 Tennessee-Alabama Airs Saturday |url=https://utsports.com/news/2020/6/26/football-vol-network-classics-1982-tennessee-alabama-airs-saturday |access-date=February 23, 2024 |website=University of Tennessee Athletics |language=en}}</ref>

'''1989''': In 1989, both teams entered the game undefeated and ranked in the top ten.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stinnett |first=Erik |date=October 13, 2022 |title=Alabama Football: In restoked rivalry will another Siran Stacy emerge? |url=https://bamahammer.com/2022/10/13/alabama-football-another-siran-stacy-emerge/ |access-date=February 23, 2024 |website=Bama Hammer |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 24, 1989 |title=Alabama's 47-30 victory over previously undefeated Tennessee... |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-10-24-sp-641-story.html |access-date=February 23, 2024 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref>  #10 Alabama defeated #6 Tennessee in an offensive shootout, 47–30.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Newberry |first=Paul |date=October 14, 1993 |title=Tide still use 'Rocky Top' Preparations (With information on 1989 Game) |page=25 |work=Gadsden Times|via=Google News |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1891&dat=19931014&id=D8IfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=MNgEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1420,1765128&hl=en |access-date=August 8, 2016}}</ref>

'''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 (American football)|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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 21, 1990 |title=COLLEGE FOOTBALL; Alabama Stuns Tennessee, 9–6 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/10/21/sports/college-football-alabama-stuns-tennessee-9-6.html |access-date=September 25, 2016 |website=The New York Times|agency=[[Associated Press]] |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

'''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 (American football)|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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Moran |first=Malcolm |date=October 17, 1993 |title=COLLEGE FOOTBALL; 83 Yards in 83 Seconds: Alabama Salvages a Tie |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/10/17/sports/college-football-83-yards-in-83-seconds-alabama-salvages-a-tie.html |access-date=September 25, 2016 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

'''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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 5, 2015 |title=Joey Kent helped make history for Tennessee football |url=https://www.al.com/news/huntsville/2015/04/huntsville_hall_of_fame_joey_k.html |access-date=February 23, 2024 |website=AL.com |language=en}}</ref>

'''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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=De La Milera |first=Lanie Michelle  |date=August 24, 2023 |title=Peyton Manning reveals new details for leading Tennessee band after 1997 Alabama win |url=https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/other-sports/2023/08/24/peyton-manning-directs-band-tennessee-alabama-rivaly-1997-tv-interview/70667809007/ |access-date=February 23, 2024 |website=Knoxville News Sentinel |language=en-US}}</ref>

'''1998''': The Vols continue their unexpected and undefeated march to Tempe and the national championship by defeating Alabama 35–18 in Knoxville.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1998 Tennessee Volunteers Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/tennessee/1998-schedule.html |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Tennessee extend their streak to four in the row against Alabama.<ref>{{Cite web |title=University of Alabama Athletics Football History vs University of Tennessee |url=https://rolltide.com/sports/football/opponent-history/university-of-tennessee/30 |access-date=February 23, 2024 |website=University of Alabama Athletics |language=en}}</ref>

'''2002:''' #19 Alabama, banned from postseason play due to NCAA probation,<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 2, 2002 |title=COLLEGE FOOTBALL; Alabama Is Penalized With 2-Year Bowl Ban |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/02/sports/college-football-alabama-is-penalized-with-2-year-bowl-ban.html |access-date=February 23, 2024 |website=The New York Times|agency=[[Associated Press]] |language=en-US}}</ref> defeated #16 Tennessee 34–14 in Knoxville, ending Tennessee's seven-game winning streak – their longest streak in series history.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 27, 2002 |title=Vols cough up ball, game|agency=[[Associated Press]] |url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=222992633 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927072543/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=222992633 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 27, 2016 |access-date=September 25, 2016 |website=[[ESPN.com]]}}</ref>

'''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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 26, 2003 |title=Clausen scores game-winner on sneak |url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=232980333 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818221211/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=232980333 |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 18, 2016 |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=[[ESPN.com]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref>

'''2005''': Tennessee returned to Tuscaloosa ranked 17th after a disappointing 3–2 start following their preseason #3 ranking.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2005 Tennessee Volunteers Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/tennessee/2005-schedule.html |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 23, 2005 |title=Christensen's late FG lifts Tide past Vols |url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=252950333 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818221617/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=252950333 |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 18, 2016 |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=[[ESPN.com]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref>

[[File:Alabama vs Tennessee 2009-10-24.jpg|thumb|2009 Tennessee vs. Alabama]]
'''2009''': Despite #1 Alabama entering the game as a 14-point favorite,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Betting Odds Tennessee Volunteers vs #2 Alabama Crimson Tide – Saturday, October 24th 3:30 PM EST CBS |url=http://www.1800-sports.com/tennessee-vs-alabama-betting-odds-102409.shtml |access-date=October 24, 2009 |website=Sports.com }}</ref> 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.<ref name="espn.com">{{Cite web |title=No. 2 Bama blocks Tennessee FG to avoid upset:Play by Play |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay?gameId=292970333 |access-date=October 24, 2009 |website=ESPN }}</ref><ref name="Heisman Winners">{{Cite web |title=Heisman Winners |url=http://heisman.com/roster.aspx?path=football |access-date=August 7, 2016 |website=Heisman.com }}</ref> 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.<ref name="espn.com" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 25, 2009 |title=Cody blocks FG on final play to save perfect season for Bama |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/292970333 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017014815/https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/292970333 |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 17, 2022 |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=[[ESPN.com]]|agency=[[Associated Press]] |language=en}}</ref>

'''2015''': Tennessee came to Tuscaloosa immediately after a big win against rival [[2015 Georgia Bulldogs football team|Georgia]] and hoped to get another upset, while Alabama was focused on keeping its [[College Football Playoff]] hopes alive.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wiedmer |first=Mark |date=October 11, 2015 |title=Daniel's late punt helps protect Vols' big win |url=https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2015/oct/11/daniels-late-punt-helps-protect-vols-big-win/ |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=Chattanooga Times Free Press |language=en}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Slovin |first=Matt |date=October 24, 2015 |title=Vols' loss to Alabama adds another close call to season |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/ut/volsinsider/2015/10/24/tennessee-vols-alabama-crimson-tide-game/74534562/ |access-date=February 23, 2024 |website=The Tennessean |language=en-US}}</ref>  Alabama responded with a lengthy drive capped off by a 14-yard touchdown run by eventual [[Heisman Trophy]] winner [[Derrick Henry]].<ref name="Heisman Winners" /> 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 (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.<ref name="ESPN">{{Cite web |date=October 24, 2015 |title=No. 8 Alabama survives Tennessee on late TD run by Derrick Henry |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/400603886 |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=[[ESPN.com]]|agency=[[Associated Press]] |language=en}}</ref> Alabama would eventually win the College Football Playoff national championship that season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Crouse |first=Karen |date=January 12, 2016 |title=Alabama Wins Fourth National Championship in Seven Years |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/12/sports/ncaafootball/alabama-crimson-tide-wins-national-championship.html |access-date=February 23, 2024 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref>

'''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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fleser |first=Dan |date=October 20, 2018 |title=How UT Vols lost to Alabama 58-21 |url=https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2018/10/20/ut-vols-live-blog-saturdays-game-against-alabama/1640650002/ |access-date=2024-02-24 |website=Knoxville News Sentinel |language=en-US}}</ref>

'''2022''': The two teams entered the game undefeated for the first time since 1989.<ref name="Stephenson"/> #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 [[Pitch invasion|stormed the field]] and tore the goalposts down in celebration, before throwing them into the nearby [[Tennessee River]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wallace |first=Chris |date=November 30, 2022 |title=Tennessee fans storm field, tear down goalpost after upsetting Alabama |url=https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/tennessee-football/tennessee-fans-storm-field-tear-down-goalpost-after-upsetting-alabama/ |access-date=November 30, 2022 |website=Saturday Down South}}</ref> Tennessee receiver [[Jalin Hyatt]] had an incredible performance, catching five touchdowns out of his six catches and having 207 total receiving yards.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Neumann |first=Thomas |date=October 15, 2022 |title=Tennessee's Jalin Hyatt Enjoys Performance for the Ages As Vols Shock Alabama |url=https://www.si.com/college/2022/10/16/jalin-hyatt-tennessee-vols-five-touchdown-alabama |access-date=July 9, 2023 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us}}</ref> Tennessee's 52 points were the most points scored against any Alabama team since 1907.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Farner |first=Keith |date=2022-10-15 |title=Tennessee delivers historic scoring output against Alabama, Nick Saban-coached teams |url=https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/tennessee-football/tennessee-delivers-historic-scoring-output-against-alabama-nick-saban-coached-teams/ |access-date=2024-02-24 |website=Saturday Down South |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Rivalry ties==
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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Alvin Kamara Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KamaAl00.htm |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Kamara started his college career at Alabama before ending up at Tennessee after a stint at Hutchinson Community College.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Inabinett |first=Mark |date=April 5, 2021 |title=Alvin Kamara credits failure at Alabama for NFL success |url=https://www.al.com/sports/2021/04/alvin-kamara-credits-failure-at-alabama-for-nfl-success.html |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=AL.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 8, 2017 |title=Former HCC running back Alvin Kamara talks time in Hutch |url=https://www.hutchnews.com/story/sports/pro/2017/12/08/former-hcc-running-back-alvin-kamara-talks-time-in-hutch/16878843007/ |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=The Hutchinson News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Spears |first=Joseph |date=June 20, 2021 |title=Alvin Kamara has a good feeling about new Tennessee Vols coach Josh Heupel, and his new role with NASCAR |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nascar/2021/06/20/alvin-kamara-tennessee-vols-football-josh-heupel-nascar-new-role/7763848002/ |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=The Tennessean |language=en-US}}</ref>

[[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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scarborough |first=Alex  |date=July 21, 2016 |title=Alabama AD Bill Battle returning in a limited capacity |url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/17120509/alabama-ad-bill-battle-returning-work-multiple-myeloma-treatment |access-date=November 10, 2016 |website=[[ESPN.com]]}}</ref>

Former Tennessee athletic director from 2011 to 2017 Dave Hart played [[Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball|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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 30, 2008 |title=Dave Hart Joins Athletic Staff |url=https://rolltide.com/news/2008/7/30/Dave_Hart_Joins_Athletic_Staff |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=University of Alabama Athletics |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Toppmeyer |first=Blake |date=March 16, 2018 |title=Dave Hart, former Tennessee Vols AD, hired by ECU in advisory role |url=https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2018/03/16/dave-hart-tennessee-ut-vols-ecu-pirates-east-carolina-jeff-compher-john-currie-cecil-stanton-ncaa-ad/431356002/ |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=Knoxville News Sentinel |language=en-US}}</ref>

[[Lane Kiffin]], Alabama's offensive coordinator from 2014 to 2016, was head coach at Tennessee in [[2009 Tennessee Volunteers football team|2009]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 1, 2008 |title=Kiffin named 21st coach in Tennessee's history |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=3737218 |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=[[ESPN.com]]|agency=[[Associated Press]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Scarborough |first=Alex |date=January 10, 2014 |title=Alabama makes Kiffin offensive coordinator |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/10275677/lane-kiffin-hired-alabama-crimson-tide-offensive-coordinator |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |language=en}}</ref>

[[Jeremy Pruitt]], Alabama's defensive coordinator from 2016 to 2017, was the head coach at Tennessee from 2018 to 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scarborough |first=Alex |date=December 11, 2015 |title=Tide snags ex-UGA DC Pruitt for same role |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/14343231/alabama-crimson-tide-hire-jeremy-pruitt-defensive-coordinator |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zucker |first=Joseph |date=December 6, 2017 |title=Jeremy Pruitt Named Tennessee Head Coach on Reported 6-Year Contract |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2747933-jeremy-pruitt-reportedly-finalizing-contract-to-become-tennessee-head-coach |access-date=February 23, 2024 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref>

[[Butch Jones]], former Tennessee head coach from 2013 to 2017, was an analyst for the Alabama Crimson Tide from 2018 to 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schad |first=Joe |author-link=Joe Schad |last2=Low |first2=Chris |date=December 7, 2012 |title=Tennessee hires Bearcats' Jones as new coach |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/8723192/tennessee-volunteers-hire-butch-jones-new-coach |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |language=en |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zenitz |first=Matt |date=March 21, 2018 |title=Alabama finalizes hiring of Butch Jones as 'intern' |url=https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/2018/03/alabama_finalizes_hiring_of_bu.html |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=AL.com |language=en}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of NCAA college football rivalry games]]
* [[List of most-played college football series in NCAA Division I]]

== References ==
{{reflist|30em}}

== Further reading ==
* {{Cite book |last=Browning |first=Al |url=https://www.amazon.com/Third-Saturday-October-Game-Game/dp/1581822170 |title=Third Saturday in October: The Game-By-Game Story of the South's Most Intense Football Rivalry |publisher=Cumberland House |year=2001 |isbn=978-1-58182-217-5}}

{{Alabama Crimson Tide football navbox}}
{{Tennessee Volunteers football navbox}}
{{Southeastern Conference football rivalry navbox}}

[[Category:College football rivalries in the United States]]
[[Category:Alabama Crimson Tide football]]
[[Category:Tennessee Volunteers football]]
[[Category:October in sports]]
[[Category:Saturday events]]