Nick Saban's retirement puts more pressure on Tennessee HC Josh Heupel
Nick Saban's decision this step down as Alabama's head coach and enter the retirement phase of his life will make life easier for everyone in the SEC — especially the Tennessee Vols. The Vols play Alabama annually. And that's expected to continue as the SEC schedule evolves due to expansion. If the SEC eventually goes […]
Nick Saban's decision this step down as Alabama's head coach and enter the retirement phase of his life will make life easier for everyone in the SEC — especially the Tennessee Vols.
The Vols play Alabama annually. And that's expected to continue as the SEC schedule evolves due to expansion.
If the SEC eventually goes with a 1+7 permanent format, Tennessee would be the only team that plays Alabama every single year (assuming the Tide stick around as Tennessee's permanent opponent…which isn't guaranteed).
It goes without saying that a Saban-less Alabama team isn't as imposing as an Alabama team with the legendary head coach on the sideline.
Alabama has been dominant for so long with Saban at the helm that almost every SEC coach has been "forgiven" for failing to beat the Crimson Tide on a regular basis.
But with Saban out of the picture, that excuse is no longer valid.
The pressure will now mount for Vols head Josh Heupel when it comes to beating Alabama. With Saban gone, it's now an expectation to beat Alabama at home. And the Vols will have to start winning in Tuscaloosa from time to time.
It's not like Alabama is suddenly going to become a poverty program that struggles to keep their head above water in the SEC. But they no longer have the benefit of being coached by the greatest of all time.
Tennessee now has to beat Alabama in 2024 or it will be quite the disappointment. The time is now for the Vols to flip the script on the Alabama/Tennessee rivalry. But with that opportunity comes a lot of pressure. Heupel, however, seems like one of the few coaches that will be able to rise above that pressure and take the Vols to some special places.
Alabama player that Tennessee should immediately target as a transfer addition
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