Saturday afternoon's game is not a 'must-win' for Alabama or Tennessee, but it is only a sliver shy of one. After losing to Georgia, the Crimson Tide needs a bounce-back win. The Vols, and especially Josh Heupel, need to show they can win a big game.
It took Heupel less than two full seasons to revive the Vols after 12 rough seasons under Lane Kiffin, Derek Dooley, Butch Jones, and Jeremy Pruitt. Tennessee fans loved him for it. In the last two seasons, Heupel's star has dimmed in Knoxville.
Heupel's crowning achievement came in the 2022 season when Tennessee knocked off No. 3 Alabama 52-49. That Tennessee team finished 11-2. The Vols lost to the Tide in Tuscaloosa the following season. Back in Knoxville in 2024, Heupel's Vols knocked off a higher-ranked Crimson Tide team again. That 10-3 team was served a reality check by Ohio State in a 42-17 First Round Playoff loss.
Tennessee's 2024 win over Alabama was Heupel's coaching peak. The Vols didn't crater, but their 2025 8-5 record included zero wins over ranked teams.
Alabama Crimson Tide will be injury-depleted against the Vols
Heupel needs to quiet Tennessee doubters; some are Tennessee fans. He catches Alabama as an injury-depleted team. According to Robby Stanley of the Nashville Post, "The situation is not that dire and dramatic. But a significant number of the Tennessee faithful now wonder if the program will ever truly compete for championships during his tenure."
For many coaches, success is fleeting. Saturday could bring Josh Heupel another signature win over Alabama, or it could become another talking point that Heupel isn't a championship-caliber coach.
Neyland Stadium can be tough for visiting opponents, but the Crimson Tide won straight games in Knoxville before the Tide's 2022 loss. A new Neyland streak can begin on Saturday.
The series history has some great stories, from brawls to con jobs.
Note: Team records provided by Sports Reference and mcubed.net
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