In a stunning revelation that has stirred passionate debate among college football fans, legendary Alabama head coach Nick Saban has declared that the annual clash between Alabama and Tennessee was, in his eyes, the Crimson Tide’s biggest rivalry game—surpassing even the iconic Iron Bowl against Auburn.
Saban’s comments, made during a recent media appearance, have reignited discussion about the true hierarchy of Alabama’s storied rivalries. “For our players, the Tennessee game meant more than any other,” Saban said. “The Iron Bowl gets all the headlines, but the Third Saturday in October was the one our guys really felt in their bones.”
The Alabama-Tennessee rivalry, commonly known as the “Third Saturday in October,” dates back to 1901 and is steeped in tradition. For decades, it was one of the most anticipated games in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), marked by fierce battles, legendary performances, and the time-honored tradition of the winning team lighting up cigars.
Saban, who led Alabama to six national championships, had an overwhelmingly successful record against Tennessee. Under his guidance, the Crimson Tide went undefeated against the Volunteers from 2007 to 2021. His dominance in the rivalry only added fuel to the long-standing enmity between the two programs.
“I don’t think the fans truly understand how personal this game is for the players,” Saban explained. “There’s history, yes, but there’s also a deep cultural rivalry. The two programs see themselves as blue-bloods, and there’s no love lost between them.”
While Auburn remains Alabama’s in-state rival, the emotional and historical weight of the Tennessee rivalry is unique. In the early years of SEC play, Alabama and Tennessee were powerhouses, often deciding the conference title between themselves. That competitive legacy lingers to this day.
Saban’s comments come at a time when the Alabama-Tennessee rivalry has experienced a resurgence. In 2022, Tennessee finally broke a 15-game losing streak to Alabama in a dramatic 52-49 victory in Knoxville. The win sparked wild celebrations and reminded fans of the game’s enduring significance.
“For a whole generation of players and fans, that Tennessee win was like a championship,” said former Volunteer quarterback Hendon Hooker. “Beating Alabama meant everything—it brought the rivalry back to life.”
The rivalry has always gone beyond the gridiron. Generations of families, divided across Alabama and Tennessee state lines, have passed down stories of classic games, dramatic finishes, and unforgettable moments. The cigar tradition—win or lose—adds a touch of nostalgia and character unmatched by most rivalries.
Saban’s unexpected admission has not only stirred debate among Alabama fans but also added renewed intensity to the rivalry. As the two programs look ahead to their future matchups, the coach’s words will echo in locker rooms and fan conversations for years to come.
Whether fans agree with Saban or not, his perspective sheds light on the emotional dynamics of college football—where tradition, passion, and pride collide on fall Saturdays. And in the case of Alabama vs. Tennessee, the fire burns as hot as ever.
