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Posted on 10/11/16 at 3:38 pm to CapstoneGrad06
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TUSCALOOSA -- Two weeks ago, Alabama head coach Nick Saban was posed a question on this week’s opponent, Tennessee. During his weekly call-in radio show, a fan asked Saban what the rivalry against the Vols means to him.
“I don’t think there’s any question about it,” Saban said. “I think you get, very quickly, a feel for what your own players on your own team, even that were here before you came here, what’s important to them. And it was very obvious to me that the Tennessee game was always the biggest game, was always the biggest game for us. That’s no disrespect to Auburn or the great Iron Bowl rivalry, but to our players and a lot of our fans, the Tennessee game -- because of the tradition of the game.”
Alabama and Tennessee will meet for the 99th time Saturday, Oct. 15, at 2:30 p.m. CT on CBS, with the Crimson Tide leading the all-time series 52-38-7 (53-37-8 actual). Alabama will look to extend its winning streak over the Vols to 10 games in a streak that extends to 2007 -- the year Saban was hired. But it will be in a top-10 matchup in Knoxville this weekend.
Despite the lopsided series of late, the annual Third Saturday in October matchup has been a close battle on the field and scoreboard. Last year, Tennessee fell to Alabama in Tuscaloosa by a score of 19-14 in the fourth week of October, and the Vols have been a second-half team this season with four comebacks in the five games it’s trailed its opponents at intermission.
But what do the Tide players think about the rivalry? Several of them provided their thoughts this week during interviews.
O.J. Howard
“We all know how tough Tennessee plays us every time we play them,” Howard said. “It’s a very important game to a lot of guys around here. It means a lot. It means a lot to our fans. It’s a rivalry game we take a lot of pride in.”
But is this game bigger than the Auburn game?
“I wouldn’t say bigger. To some people it is. Some of the fans really think it’s bigger, but I think they are both kind of important,” Howard said. “You know Auburn is just an in-state team and that’s why I think it’s really important. It’s our rivalry in the same state so only one person can have bragging rights for the whole year. So that’s why I think the Auburn game, but this is definitely important to a lot of people.”
Minkah Fitzpatrick
“It’s a big deal because it’s Alabama and Tennessee,” Fitzpatrick said. “Coach (Scott) Cochran always says, ‘People will ask you what’s your record against Tennessee and how many national championships do you have?’ You want to be able to say I’m 4-0 against them, 3-0 against them, whatever it is. It’s just a priority.”
Shaun Hamilton
“It’s Tennessee because we play Tennessee this week,” Hamilton said. “... Even as a little kid, Third Saturday in October was Tennessee weekend. That’s the game. Pretty big game. I think that rivalry is right up there with Auburn. I’m looking forward to it.”
Ross Pierschbacher
“I feel like yeah, Tennessee’s a big rival obviously and LSU, Auburn, stuff like that,” Pierschbacher said. “This year it’ll be a big game and it’ll mean a lot for the SEC. Just being away and in that hostile environment, it means a lot to us. They have a great environment, and it just makes it fun for us to play there and gets us more hyped up. So yeah, it’ll be interesting.”
But what’s the biggest rivalry game to the left guard?
“I’d probably say LSU, to be honest,” Pierschbacher said, “because it has the most implications year-in and year-out as far as playoffs and stuff like that.”
Jonathan Allen
“Nah, I wouldn’t say it’s the biggest rivalry,” Allen said. “No disrespect to any team, we take each team seriously. This is the team we’re playing this week, and this is the team we’re gonna give the most attention to right now.”
LINK
Posted on 10/11/16 at 3:45 pm to TideSaint
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Ross Pierschbacher
“I feel like yeah, Tennessee’s a big rival obviously and LSU, Auburn, stuff like that,” Pierschbacher said. “This year it’ll be a big game and it’ll mean a lot for the SEC. Just being away and in that hostile environment, it means a lot to us. They have a great environment, and it just makes it fun for us to play there and gets us more hyped up. So yeah, it’ll be interesting.”
But what’s the biggest rivalry game to the left guard?
“I’d probably say LSU, to be honest,” Pierschbacher said, “because it has the most implications year-in and year-out as far as playoffs and stuff like that.”
L5U fans are gonna love this
Posted on 10/11/16 at 5:26 pm to Gary Busey
That kid obviously isn't from Alabama. He is looking at the last couple of years and not history.
The minute they start sucking again, nobody will care about that game and it will be another game on the schedule.
Didn't matter how much 10rc sucks, they will always be a thorn in our side.
The minute they start sucking again, nobody will care about that game and it will be another game on the schedule.
Didn't matter how much 10rc sucks, they will always be a thorn in our side.
Posted on 10/11/16 at 5:52 pm to YStar
Even if he was an in state kid he would prolly say AU or LSU. A sports generation is 10 yrs. So this generation of kids just see UT as another sec win, because the last time BAMA lost to them they were 8-10 yrs old.
Many of us lived through the Fulmer yrs so we despise them.
Many of us lived through the Fulmer yrs so we despise them.
Posted on 10/11/16 at 5:54 pm to YStar
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That kid obviously isn't from Alabama. He is looking at the last couple of years and not history.
I'm from Alabama, and I look at LSU as one of our biggest rivals. I'd say that many others share my opinion as well. LSU will never be "another game on the schedule."
Posted on 10/11/16 at 6:09 pm to Funky Tide 8
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Alabama returned to the practice field Tuesday afternoon for its second on-field preparation day of Tennessee week. The Crimson Tide players practiced outdoors and in full pads on a sunny, 81-degree afternoon.
Here are several observations from the media viewing portion of Alabama’s Tuesday practice in Tuscaloosa:
- Linebacker Reuben Foster (concussion) and offensive guard Alphonse Taylor (concussion) were not on the field during the two media viewing periods Tuesday. Taylor was spotted inside the football facility in a black jersey.
- With Foster not at practice, Shaun Hamilton and Rashaan Evans led the linebacker line and worked with the first-team secondary during nickel drills. Lester Cotton lined up at right guard with the first-team offensive line.
- Wide receiver Raheem Falkins was also not seen on the practice field Tuesday afternoon.
- After not spotting him Monday, linebacker Ryan Anderson was back with his position group and moving through drills with no limitations. The reason for his absence is still uncertain but having him back was a good sign.
- Wideout Calvin Ridley and tight end O.J. Howard appeared to be limited during the viewing periods. I did not see Ridley run a route, and Howard was on a knee during team blocking drills. Brandon Greene stepped in for him.
- Tailback Damien Harris led the backs through drills with a support apparatus on his right hamstring.
- Cornerback Anthony Averett appeared to be wearing a brace on his left elbow Tuesday.
- NFL scouts from the Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints watched the outdoor practice.
*** What’s next: Alabama will be back at practice Wednesday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. CT. Head coach Nick Saban will then hold his final press conference of the week after the open practice at approximately 6 p.m. CT.
LINK
Posted on 10/11/16 at 6:18 pm to TideSaint
we are going to need all DB's on deck. Kapish "yank."
Posted on 10/12/16 at 2:22 am to Cobrasize
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Jonah was so far down field
LINK
It's not a penalty when the ball is thrown away.
Posted on 10/12/16 at 7:59 am to Funky Tide 8
According to your line of thought, Ole Miss is our rivals as well.
In fact they are more of our rivals right now then L5U.
In fact they are more of our rivals right now then L5U.
Posted on 10/12/16 at 8:53 am to CapstoneGrad06
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CBS Sports veteran analyst Jon Solomon has ranked college football's 11 remaining FBS unbeatens and given nuggets of info on each as it pertains to national championship hopes.
Who has the most favorable road? Take a look:
quote:
11. West Virginia
10. Nebraska
9. Baylor
8. Western Michigan
7. Texas A&M
6. Michigan
5. Washington
4. Alabama (6-0) From CBS Sports: "Why they could win them all: It's Alabama. There's always a chance of going undefeated. Alabama is capable of big plays on offense and defense. The defense has already scored seven touchdowns and the leads the country in rushing defense (2.2 yards per carry, 69.2 yards per game). The offense leads the country in plays of 40 yards or more (17). Quick-strike capability that can swing the momentum of games is a nice luxury for Alabama if it struggles at all moving forward."
3. Ohio State
2. Boise State
1. Clemson
LINK
Posted on 10/12/16 at 11:28 am to YStar
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According to your line of thought, Ole Miss is our rivals as well.
What is my line of thought? I didn't even really give you a "line of thought."
I just think that the majority of Alabama fans view LSU as one of our biggest rivals, 3rd on the list IMO. I almost guarantee you that.
Even if it wasn't an "iconic" matchup before the 2000s, there is no doubt in most people's minds that it is now.
Not sure how this "line of thought" is equivalent to calling OM one of our biggest rivals now. Can you explain that to me??
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In fact they are more of our rivals right now then L5U.
Asinine.
Posted on 10/12/16 at 12:07 pm to Funky Tide 8
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What is my line of thought? I didn't even really give you a "line of thought."
I just think that the majority of Alabama fans view LSU as one of our biggest rivals, 3rd on the list IMO. I almost guarantee you that.
Even if it wasn't an "iconic" matchup before the 2000s, there is no doubt in most people's minds that it is now
Uh, I think it is pretty obvious what your line of thought is and you only confirmed the obvious with this post.
L5U has only been deemed a rival by people like you because of a short time span of years. If we're going to make them a rival because of that, then I guess Ole Miss is also a rival because of the last three seasons as well.
At least they have beaten us in our last five match ups.
quote:
Not sure how this "line of thought" is equivalent to calling OM one of our biggest rivals now. Can you explain that to me??
Where did I say "biggest" when I made the example likening OM to L5U??
Show me.
I'll be waiting.
This post was edited on 10/12/16 at 12:08 pm
Posted on 10/12/16 at 12:23 pm to YStar
yall get a room and make up
Posted on 10/12/16 at 1:14 pm to mrbroker
What is wrong with having a disagreement and discussing it?
Posted on 10/12/16 at 1:46 pm to YStar
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L5U has only been deemed a rival by people like you because of a short time span of years.
Hate to break it to you, but there a ton of Bama fans like me. Probably the majority. Is perception not reality?
Rivalries don't just happen. They can be started by a number of things.
The rivalry really ignited up when we got Saban, and then it reached nuclear level with the GoTC, and the rematch. Then came the two Death Valley comebacks.
It's not like the hatred is going to magically disappear when Saban retires. It's not simply because the game is usually tough, nor did I ever say it was.
quote:
Where did I say "biggest" when I made the example likening OM to L5U??
Is that not what the frick we are having this discussion over?
my argument is that LSU is one of our biggest rivals, and you said that, by my line of thinking, OM is too. If you are trying to say that they aren't a rival at all, then I don't know what else to say to you. Go edit the Alabama football wikipedia page??
This post was edited on 10/12/16 at 1:49 pm
Posted on 10/12/16 at 5:32 pm to Funky Tide 8
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Hate to break it to you, but there a ton of Bama fans like me. Probably the majority. Is perception not reality?
Do a poll of our fans on this forum. I'm guessing you guys will be strongly in the minority.
For people like us a rivarly isn't based off of a half decade period where the opposition continually fell short of being a threat to our success.
quote:
The rivalry really ignited up when we got Saban, and then it reached nuclear level with the GoTC, and the rematch. Then came the two Death Valley comebacks.
It's not like the hatred is going to magically disappear when Saban retires. It's not simply because the game is usually tough, nor did I ever say it was.
They hate Saban. That is like all of college football. He didn't bail on them to come to us. He didn't back stab them for us. He doesn't even have any animosity toward them. It is a one-sided obsession which is akin to saying a stalker is in a relationship with the victim they are stalking.
They should actually feel ashamed. Without Saban their program would still be dead right now. They should be thanking him for his influence.
The minute they begin to suck, that's the minute this "rivalry" ends.
quote:
Is that not what the frick we are having this discussion over? my argument is that LSU is one of our biggest rivals, and you said that, by my line of thinking, OM is too.
No, you quoted me and my point was that L5U aren't our rivals at all. They are merely one of our better oppositions of this specific time. 7 years ago nobody thought they were our rivals. This is no different then OM. Only difference is OM competitive streak against us has been 3 seasons. L5U had been 5.
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If you are trying to say that they aren't a rival at all, then I don't know what else to say to you. Go edit the Alabama football wikipedia page??
Wikipedia as a "source"?
This post was edited on 10/12/16 at 5:36 pm
Posted on 10/12/16 at 5:42 pm to YStar
I guess we will have to just agree to disagree.
Posted on 10/12/16 at 5:43 pm to CapstoneGrad06
quote:
Alabama returned to the practice field Wednesday afternoon for its third on-field preparation day of Tennessee week. The Crimson Tide players practiced outdoors and in full pads on a sunny, 81-degree afternoon.
Here are several observations from the media viewing portion of Alabama’s Wednesday practice in Tuscaloosa:
- Linebacker Reuben Foster (concussion) was out at practice in a black, no-contact jersey and leading the inside linebackers through individual drills. Foster also lined up with the first-team defense during nickel drills.
- One good sign for Foster was Rashaan Evans practiced with the outside linebackers in the second of two viewing periods.
- Offensive guard Alphonse Taylor (concussion) was not at practice in the two viewing periods. With Taylor not on the practice field, it was Lester Cotton that lined up at right guard with the first-team offensive line.
- Wide receiver Raheem Falkins was also not seen on the practice field again Wednesday afternoon.
- Wideout Calvin Ridley and tight end O.J. Howard appeared to be limited Tuesday, but both players appeared to be doing more this afternoon. Howard practiced with the first-team during blocking drills in the second period.
- Running back Damien Harris still sported a support apparatus on his right hamstring.
- Linebacker Mekhi Brown wore a No. 9 scout-team jersey, representing Tennessee edge rusher Derek Barnett.
*** What’s next: Nick Saban will hold his final press conference of the week after practice at 6 p.m. CT.
LINK
Posted on 10/13/16 at 9:15 am to Funky Tide 8
quote:
LSU will never be "another game on the schedule."
I'd say they've been pretty much our biggest rival in the Saban era, just like Florida was our biggest rival from the early 90's till 2009...but in the 70's, 80's, and 90's LSU was pretty much just another game on the schedule...and college football goes in cycles, so depending on when Saban leaves and how LSU either progresses or regresses, then it could turn out to be just another game on the schedule in the future...if a team like Ole Miss (NCAA issues aside) or A&M continue to develop in the next few years, either of them could turn into a huge rival for a stretch of time...
Tennessee and Auburn will remain big rivalries because of tradition; these games have been huge even when neither us nor them were chasing championships (i.e., the Kick and the Kick II)...
This post was edited on 10/13/16 at 10:03 am
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