Alabama Football: Ranking the six toughest games in 2020 season
By Ronald Evans
Alabama Football No. 5 Toughest Game in 2020
Oct. 24 vs. Tennessee Volunteers
The ‘third Saturday in October’ will actually be the fourth Saturday in 2020. The date will not matter to Alabama football players, none of whom grew up seeing the Vols as much of a rival. Even the oldest Crimson Tide players, who grew up Alabama fans, will have only vague memories of the Vols as a legitimate threat.
Comparing the rosters of the teams suggests the Crimson Tide should again win easily. Beyond talent, there is another factor. It has historical significance. The Alabama Crimson Tide will be playing its eighth consecutive game on Oct. 24. Such a schedule takes a toll physically and mentally. It also leaves no time for injuries to heal.
Tennessee will host the Tide in Knoxville, after an open date the week before. By game eight of the season, the Tide offense will be known to opposing coaches. Jeremy Pruitt and his staff will have an extra week to prepare.
Will the schedule circumstances allow the Vols to shock the college football world in an upset? The chance of a Tennessee victory is small, but it is possible. Most Alabama football fans remember a similar situation in 2009. Alabama, playing its eighth consecutive game, hosted Lane Kiffin and the Vols in Tuscaloosa.
A half-step slower, clearly weary, and later to become National Champion, Crimson Tide had all it could handle in Lane’s Vols. The Tide prevailed 12-10, needing two field goal blocks to eke out a win.
If Nick Saban is ever to lose to a former assistant, it is not expected to be Jeremy Pruitt in Knoxville, in the 2020 season.