He posted a 1-1 record against Nick Saban and his victory came at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn.
Josh Heupel wants to continue success against Alabama as Tennessee’s head coach.
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He now competes versus Kalen DeBoer as his first matchup with the Crimson Tide’s latest head man is this weekend. The “Third Saturday in October” rivalry is steeped in respect and also competitive hatred for two programs and their fans.
Alabama nation cannot stand Rocky Top and the Volunteers loathed the Tide. Celebratory cigars and bragging rights are what is on the line for Saturday’s contest.
Heupel earned a 52-49 victory over Saban in 2022, but he knows how special the rivalry is even before Saban arrived in 2007 to Alabama. Heupel has his group prepared to have a standout performance through four quarters of football.
“This rivalry has been around a long time before Nick Saban or I was a part of it,” Heupel said.
“The magnitude of this rivalry is the historical nature and what it has meant inside of this league.”
Alabama had a 15-game winning streak over Tennessee from 2007 to 2021.
The Vols ended the streak in 2022, but the Tide avenged itself with a 34-20 victory over Tennessee last season. Fans will be rocking inside Neyland Stadium for this edition of the rivalry.
We will see how prepared DeBoer and Alabama will be.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
