Fansided

Five teams with the best chance to dethrone Alabama in the SEC

By Jonathan Perelman

Jan 23, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama head coach Nick Saban holds the Crystal trophy with quarterback Jake Coker (14) during a presentation to celebrate the victory in the CFP National Championship game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama head coach Nick Saban holds the Crystal trophy with quarterback Jake Coker (14) during a presentation to celebrate the victory in the CFP National Championship game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Butch Jones against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half in the 2016 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Tennessee Volunteers defeated the Northwestern Wildcats 45-6. Tennessee Volunteers Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Butch Jones against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half in the 2016 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Tennessee Volunteers defeated the Northwestern Wildcats 45-6. Tennessee Volunteers Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Tennessee is Alabama’s biggest threat.

Tennessee could be facing Alabama twice this season if things play out how many are predicting. Tennessee has a favorable schedule and a talented, more experienced offense that could beat Alabama for the first time since Nick Saban arrived in Tuscaloosa.

Although the rivalry has declined, Alabama will have a tough trip to Knoxville this season. Tennessee held a lead in the fourth quarter in Tuscaloosa last season, only to see it disappear to who other than Derrick Henry. But many are saying this is the year Tennessee finally wins in a rivalry that has long been lost, as Alabama has won nine straight.

Not only will the Tide face a tough offense this season with Josh Dobbs and Jalen Hurd highlighting the team, Tennessee’s offseason hire of defensive coordinator Bob Shoop could prove to push Tennessee over the hump of this losing streak.

If the Tide does extend its winning streak to double digits, though, the Volunteers are predicted to win the SEC East this season, if they can stay out of trouble. We will see if they can get over the hump of multiple losing streaks, namely to Florida and Alabama. But if they can pull out a victory in Knoxville on the third Saturday in October, they could see Alabama again in the SEC Championship, a showdown sure to reignite a long lost rivalry.

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