Nick Saban opens up on what this year's game vs Tennessee means for Alabama

Nick Saban never takes a game lightly. Nonetheless, this one means a little more to the Alabama head coach. During an appearance on “Hey Coach & The Nick Saban Show,” Saban revealed the weight behind Alabama’s matchup with Tennessee this weekend.

“This is like our big rivalry game. Auburn is a big rivalry game too. I don’t mean to disrespect anybody from saying that,” Saban said. “From way back when, Coach Bryant, our stadium’s name named after people that made this rivalry what it is.

“It’s persevered through the years because of the great quality programs that both schools have had. I think that’s one of the things that means a lot to a lot of people and I think our players know that. I think that makes it personal.”

Alabama’s rivalry with Tennessee has no shortage of history. The programs first met in 1901 in Birmingham, ending in a 6–6 tie. Since then, the two programs have clashed another 103 times, with Alabama boasting a 58–39–7 record in the series.

Alabama entered the programs’ 2022 matchup on a 15-game win streak. However, the No. 6 Volunteers toppled the Tide, picking up their first win over Alabama since 2006. Furthermore, it was Tennessee’s first win since Saban took over the program.

A little extra motivation for Alabama

While Saban refused to admit he was out for revenge, he acknowledged the extra element Alabama’s recent loss adds to the matchup.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt that when you lose the game the year before to whoever you play, that’s hurtful,” Saban said. “You don’t have a great feeling at the end of the game, or you feel very disappointed. That disappointment stays with you. I’m sure that that’s a motivating factor for some folks.”

Alabama doesn’t need any extra motivation on its plate. After suffering an upset loss to Texas in Week 2, the Crimson Tide can’t afford to lose another game. Doing so would cost Saban and Co. any hopes they have left to make an appearance in the College Football Playoff.

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel isn’t oblivious to the fire Alabama will bring to the teams’ meeting.

“Everybody inside of our program understands the test that we have facing a really good Alabama football team,” Heupel said on Wednesday. “They’re playing extremely well together. It’s going to be a great environment and a huge test for our football team. Offensively, really efficient in what they’re doing in the run game. The offensive line, I think, plays extremely well together, and the quarterback’s continuing to develop at a really high level, is playing really good football right now.”

Alabama and Tennessee will square off at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. The game will be broadcast on CBS.