Nick Saban is breaking out one of his old strategies ahead of matchup with Tennessee Vols
The Tennessee Vols are set to take on the Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday in Knoxville in what's poised to be one of the biggest college football games of the year. Tennessee is ranked No. 6 in the nation while Alabama is ranked No. 3 in the nation. Alabama looks vulnerable this season — especially […]
The Tennessee Vols are set to take on the Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday in Knoxville in what's poised to be one of the biggest college football games of the year.
Tennessee is ranked No. 6 in the nation while Alabama is ranked No. 3 in the nation.
Alabama looks vulnerable this season — especially if quarterback Bryce Young doesn't play (he's expected to play against Vols, but he likely won't be 100 percent). The Tide's narrow wins over Texas and Texas A&M have a lot of folks feeling like Tennessee's dynamic offense will lead to the Vols' first win in the rivalry since 2006 (No. 2 scoring offense in the nation at 46.8 points per game).
As a result, Bama head coach Nick Saban is deploying one of his favorite strategies before a big game.
Saban is trying to frame the Tide as the underdog.
After Alabama's win against Texas A&M this past weekend, Saban told reporters that his team would have to play a lot better to "have any chance" against Tennessee.
Saban loves talking about "rat poison" and trying to downplay Alabama's dominance.
But don't get it twisted — the Crimson Tide are the favorites in this game. If Tennessee wins, it will be an upset. Saban's teams usually find a way. And they'll be eager to show the country that they're better than what they've shown so far this season.
The Vols need to treat this Alabama team just like every other Saban-led Alabama team. They might be vulnerable, but they're still Alabama, despite what Saban will tell folks all week.
Featured image via Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
