Fansided

College Football: 20 best rivalry games to watch in 2018

By Maitland Rutledge

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 21: The USC Trojans face off at the line of scrimmage against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during a game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 21, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame won 49-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 21: The USC Trojans face off at the line of scrimmage against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during a game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 21, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame won 49-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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TUSCALOOSA, AL – OCTOBER 21: Mack Wilson #30 of the Alabama Crimson Tide returns an interception against the Tennessee Volunteers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL – OCTOBER 21: Mack Wilson #30 of the Alabama Crimson Tide returns an interception against the Tennessee Volunteers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

15. Alabama vs. Tennessee

When the Volunteers meet the Crimson Tide, it is referred to as the Third Saturday in October. When the SEC was split into divisions, these teams did not meet as much. In fact, between 1995 and 2015, they only met six times. Fortunately, both teams put themselves on each other’s schedules the past two seasons and the tradition will continue in 2018.

This rivalry has provided interesting finishes from the beginning. 1901 was the first meeting between the two teams. The game ended in a 6–6 tie, when fans rushed the field after a controversial offside call. The officials were unable to control the crowd and the game was called.

Tennessee was looking to ruin Alabama’s National Championship hopes in 2009. Despite their number one ranking, the Crimson Tide struggled against the Volunteers, holding only a 12–3 lead late in the game. With Alabama trying to run out the clock, future Heisman Trophy winner running back Mark Ingram fumbled, giving the Volunteers the ball back in Alabama territory. Tennessee scored the game’s first touchdown on the ensuing drive, making it 12–10. Tennessee then recovered an onside kick, needing just a field goal to win. Tennessee attempted a 43-yard field goal, but Alabama defensive lineman Terrence Cody blocked the kick and the Crimson Tide escaped with a win.

Last year the teams met trending in opposite directions. Alabama was on their way to another National Championship, while Tennessee would lose out on a bowl and fire their head coach. Jeremy Pruitt was hired in early December, Alabama’s former defensive coordinator. With a Nick Saban disciple on the opposing sideline, a new chapter in this rivalry will be written in 2018.