The Man Who Haunts the Tennessee Volunteers

Ever since Nick Saban was hired by The University of Alabama in 2007, the Tennessee Volunteers have lost 15 straight times to the Crimson Tide in "The Third Saturday in October."

2007

Alabama was on a three-game losing streak to the Volunteers prior to Saban's first game against the team, however Alabama destroyed its rivals and started the longest streak in the rivalry, which is still going on to this day. Alabama won the game 41-17 after quarterback John Parker Wilson threw for 363 yards and running back Terry Grant ran for 105 yards.

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2009

The No. 2 Crimson Tide was expected to crush its rivals and continue onto a national championship, but the Volunteers shut down the high-powered Alabama offense that was led by eventual Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram and Julio Jones. Tennessee, down 12-10 in the final drive of the game, went down the field to set up kicker Daniel Lincoln for a 44-yard field goal. Lincoln's field goal attempt was blocked by Alabama defensive lineman Terrance Cody to seal the Alabama win. After the "Mount Cody" game, Alabama went on to win its first of six national championships under Saban.

2016

The 98th matchup between the Crimson Tide and the Volunteers was one of the most hyped upped games in the rivalry's history. Tennessee jumped to No. 9 in the AP Poll after pulling the upset against Georgia the week before. This became the first time since 1996 that both the Crimson Tide and the Volunteers were ranked in the Top 10. Jalen Hurts and the Crimson Tide destroyed the Tennessee Volunteers 49-10. Hurts had 172 passing yards, 132 rushing yards, and four total touchdowns.

2021

Last year, Alabama was expected to cruise over the Volunteers for the 15th straight year, but to the surprise of everyone, Tennessee kept it close until the third quarter. The Volunteers put up 282 yards passing on Saban's defense led by new head coach Josh Heupel and quarterback Hendon Hooker. Unfortunately for the Volunteers, the team could not stop Heisman winning quarterback Bryce Young. Young threw for 371 yards and two touchdowns. The final score was 52-24 Alabama.

It has been 5,835 days since the Tennessee Volunteers defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide. The upcoming matchup between the two teams has many people thinking that Tennessee can break the streak. The Volunteers will be ready to take down the Crimson Tide in Neyland Stadium, but never count out Saban and the Crimson Tide who might be getting back Bryce Young for this game.

No. 3 Alabama plays No. 6 Tennessee on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at 2:30 p.m. CT. Coverage will be on Tide 100.9 and 95.3 The Bear.