Nick Saban is not one for hypotheticals as Alabama’s head coach, but ESPN makes money off them.
The Crimson Tide is focused on continuing its streak of dominance over the University of Tennessee. Alabama has defeated the Volunteers 15 straight times since Saban became the coach in 2007. People are excited about the “Third Saturday in October” rivalry having meaning again. Both teams are ranked in the top 10 and are undefeated. Neyland Stadium will be rocking as Tennessee looks to upset the Tide. National media is feeling the Volunteers, especially with the inconsistency of Alabama’s offense. However, junior quarterback Bryce Young has practiced all week and looks like he may start Saturday’s matchup.
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Heather Dinich of ESPN created a scenario where three Southeastern Conference teams get into the College Football Playoff.
➖ No. 1 Georgia
➖ No. 3 Alabama
➖ No. 6 TennesseeCould the SEC possibly get three teams in the CFP? @CFBHeather says there’s a chance.#SECThisMorning pic.twitter.com/yuER86ZFCg
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) October 14, 2022
She said Tennessee has the biggest opportunity to impress the CFP Committee. If it beats Alabama and loses to Georgia, the Volunteers could be a one-loss, at-large big for the CFP. If it loses to Alabama and beats Georgia, the same rules apply for Tennessee and it would face Alabama in the SEC Championship Game (if the Tide win-out). Dinich has the same formula if Alabama were to lose to Tennessee. She cautions the fans of both schools not to become overly emotional after the game.
Dinich said no matter what happens, Alabama and Tennessee are both alive for the playoff. Of course, Saban does not play it safe. He is out to win every game, and that is how it should be. Alabama fans are waiting to shut down the Tennessee crowd this week.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
