re: Does anyone else think the UT/Bama rivalry feels forced?

You should just look at the won-loss record of Tennessee and Bama.

Until Tennessee fell on hard times, it was one of the proudest programs in the NCAA. At one time it was fourth all-time behind Michigan, Bama and Notre Dame.

And Bama, well, they are Bama.

I treat the game with anticipation unless Carolina or Georgia is playing in the same time slot.