Things have certainly taken a turn in the Tennessee-Alabama football series. That’s good for the Vols.
Tennessee (yes, that Tennessee) was deemed as the “season defining” game for the Crimson Tide, essentially marking the game as a make-or-break contest for Bama if it wants to make the 12-team College Football Playoff. To do so, Bama can’t lose to the Vols at home? That’s some pretty hefty compliments for the Vols’ growth under fifth-year head coach Josh Heupel.
Let’s remember it wasn’t that long ago that Tennessee lost 15 consecutive games to the Crimson Tide. The Vols have since won two of the last three games agains Bama.
Tennessee’s “season-defining game” is listed as Alabama, but that doesn’t quite seem right. After all, the Vols play Georgia, who they’ve lost to eight consecutive times, on Sept. 13. Wouldn’t beating the Bulldogs define the season more than beating Bama … again?
I can see both sides of the debate. Beating Bama could assure the Vols a trip to the College Football Playoff no matter what happens against Georgia, assuming Tennessee takes care of business the rest of the season. However, a win against the Bulldogs would make the Vols a heavy favorite to make the playoffs no matter what happens against Alabama.
There’s reason to think that scenario could play out. The Vols stumbled against Arkansas early in the season last year and still made the College Football Playoff. They could easily do the same against the Bulldogs and still make the postseason.
Nevertheless, Tennessee has gone from a doormat to a formidable force against one of its key rivals. Doing so against its other rivals in red can only enhance the Vols’ standing, especially in recruiting.
Sure, the Bama-Tennessee game is important for both teams, but given where the Vols currently stand, I’d say the Georgia game is far more important – and would be a much better win – than besting the Crimson Tide.
