If you listen to the national media and various talking heads around the country, Tennessee might as well not even show up on Saturday to play Alabama.

Because no one is giving the Vols a chance.

You’d think we took a time machine back to the Derek Dooley era the way some folks are talking.

“I think this is going to be a struggle from the word go for Tennessee,” said SEC Unfiltered’s Chris Phillips. “I will take Alabama. I think Tennessee is overrated. I think Tennessee is the worst 5-1 team in the country. I think they have no business being ranked in the top 15. I just don’t think Tennessee’s got the bullets offensively to keep up in this one.”

Bussin with the Boys’ Will Compton, meanwhile, thinks the Vols have no shot to beat Alabama with sophomore George MacIntyre starting at quarterback.

“Faizon Brandon is a work in progress,” said Compton. “MacIntyre ain’t gonna get the job done against Alabama.”

One of the toughest things in sports is to motivate a team that’s a heavy favorite. It’s much easier to motivate a team that’s viewed as an underdog.

And it’s clear that Tennessee is an underdog this week.

The Vols have been at their best under Heupel when they’re doubted. That’s when we’ve seen them play with an edge and make games personal. And that’s what they’ll need to do this weekend against Alabama. Games aren’t won or lost because of what the national media says, but the doubt that they’re showing in Tennessee can absolutely be used by Heupel to help his team play with an edge on Saturday.

If you’re Josh Heupel, you have to love all of the doubt in Tennessee that’s being expressed this week. It’s a gift, and Tennessee needs to make sure they take advantage of it before facing the Crimson Tide in Neyland Stadium.