Alabama got early start playing Rocky Top to prepare for road game at Tennessee
Alabama got an early start on its ‘Rocky Top’ prep this week, playing the song inside the Crimson Tide football facilities at 6 a.m. Tuesday, according to BamaOnline’s Charlie Potter.
“Everywhere – the weight room, training room,” Alabama defensive lineman Tim Smith said. “They tried to play it in the locker room, but we turned that off. We’re cool on that. But everywhere, even at practice.”
No. 7 Alabama (5-1, 2-1 SEC) goes on the road to face No. 11 Tennessee (5-1, 2-1) on Saturday (3:30 p.m. Eastern Time, ABC) in the renewal of the Third Saturday in October rivalry at Neyland Stadium.
It’s the third true road game of the season for the Crimson Tide, after two very different experiences on the road. Alabama went to Wisconsin and won 42-10 in September and lost 40-35 at Vanderbilt two weeks ago.
Alabama bounced back from the Vanderbilt loss with a 27-25 home win over South Carolina on Saturday.
“I’m definitely excited,” Alabama freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams said this week. “We’ve got the crowd noise at practice. It’s preparing me a little bit.
Tennessee ended 15-game losing streak to Alabama at home in 2022
Williams caught four passes for 78 yards and a touchdown at Alabama and three catches for 82 yards and a touchdown. The South Carolina game was the first of the season for Williams without a touchdown reception, finishing with four catches for 32 yards.
“I don’t think (playing on the road) really makes a difference when you’re focusing on the ball,” Williams said.
Tennessee snapped a 15-game losing streak to Alabama the last time the Crimson Tide came to Knoxville, winning 52-49 at Neyland Stadium two years ago.
Hendon Hooker completed 21 of 30 passes for 385 yards and five touchdowns. All five went to Jalin Hyatt, who caught six passes for 207 yards. The Vols rushed 39 times as a team for 182 yards and two touchdowns.
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Tennessee fans rushed the field and tore down the goal posts after Chase McGrath kicked a 40-yard walk-off field goal for the win.
“Last time we went there,” Alabama safety Malachi Moore said, “we didn’t come out on the right end of things, so that’s definitely a thing that the players that were there are still aware of.”
‘As a competitor, you’re supposed to love moments like this’
Moore added that going on the road comes down to nothing more than execution.
“Don’t let the external factors bother you,” he said. “As a competitor, you’re supposed to love moments like this.”
“Going into a place where everybody hates you, nobody wants to see you win or walk out of there victorious. You just have to thrive for that and expect and go out there and execute.”
Alabama went 5-0 on the road last season, winning at South Florida, at Mississippi State, at Texas A&M, at Kentucky and at Auburn.
“I know what’s required to be successful on the road,” Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe said, “and what needs to be taking place at the quarterback position so our offense can be our best us.
“And now, going into Knoxville, it’s gonna be so important through the communication.”
