The SEC quietly did Tennessee a big favor before Alabama visits Neyland this fall
The Tennessee Volunteers will be looking for their third straight home against the Alabama Crimson Tide this fall.
The Tennessee Vols will be looking for their third straight home win against the Alabama Crimson Tide this fall.
Tennessee hasn’t won three games in a row against Alabama in Knoxville since 1996-2000 (1996, 1998, and 2000).
Beating Alabama, even at home, is never easy, but the Vols may have a small advantage in 2026 thanks to the SEC schedule.
The SEC did Tennessee a favor before Alabama visits Neyland
Alabama will play their toughest game of the season the week before traveling to Knoxville to take on Tennessee.
The Crimson Tide play Georgia in Tuscaloosa on October 10 before playing the Vols on October 17.
Alabama having to play against one of the most physical teams in the nation the week before going on the road to play Tennessee is certainly a plus for the Vols.
And that’s one reason why On3 pointed Alabama’s game against Tennessee this week as a game the Crimson Tide should be concerned about.
“This year’s installment (between Bama and Georgia) should be just as intense as the rest, but the Crimson Tide will have to turn the page quickly because this Georgia game falls on the second Saturday in October,” wrote On3’s Andy Staples.
Tennessee plays Arkansas in Fayetteville the week before playing Alabama, so it’s not like the Vols have a bye week.
But playing against Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs is undoubtedly going to take more of a physical toll on Alabama. On top of that, Alabama has to play the Vols on the road.
No one knows exactly how much of a difference it’ll make, but in a conference where games are won on the margins, it could be the thing that tilts this matchup in Tennessee’s favor.