Event Details
- What: Tennesee vs. Alabama
- When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, 3:30 p.m.
- Where: Bryant-Denny Stadium
- Cost: Not available
- Age limit: All ages
AP Top 25 College Football
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin says the AP Top 25 has it right — Alabama, not Florida, is the No. 1 team in the nation.
He's practically an expert. By vaulting over the Gators into the top spot in The Associated Press poll, the Crimson Tide set up the Vols' second game against the No. 1 team in the nation this season.
"I think one poll got it right," Kiffin said. "If you watch football and pay attention, I don't think there's any doubt who the No. 1 team is. Alabama has a great team — very well-coached, extremely talented, great special teams, great on offense, great on defense."
The Gators are ranked second in the AP Top 25 but first in the USA Today coaches' poll and Bowl Championship Series standings.
Kiffin said it's hard to draw many comparisons between the two teams besides talent. Alabama favors size, Florida relies on speed.
He said the Crimson Tide (7-0, 4-0 Southeastern Conference) is a more complete team and says the teams' games against Arkansas reveals Alabama's strength. The Tide beat the Razorbacks 35-7 on Sept. 26 and the Gators narrowly beat Arkansas 23-20 on Saturday.
"While they're both great teams, one team kind of beats you in all three phases: Alabama," Kiffin said. "The other team will beat you at times but then a lot of times nobody's open and the quarterback runs around, makes the play. These guys are much more balanced."
The Vols (3-3, 1-2) lost 23-13 at Florida Sept. 19, when the Gators were No. 1. The fact that Tennessee was competitive when much of the football world predicted a Florida blowout coupled with a big win over Georgia in its last game, gives some Vols players hope.
"We let one slip by against Florida, but we've put that behind us now, because we have another opportunity," guard Vladimir Richard said. "If we would have just corrected a few things, we'd have won the game. So now we're like, 'Let's not come in Sunday ... and say the same thing."
A win by the Vols could mean redemption on several levels. It would be Tennessee's third all-time win over the top team and would snap a two-game losing skid against its biggest traditional rival.
Tennessee is the first team to play No. 1 twice in the same season since Baylor and Texas Tech in 2000 played both Nebraska and Oklahoma. In 1992, Arizona beat No. 1 Washington 16-3 (Nov. 7) after losing to No. 1 Miami 8-7 (Sept. 26).
For Alabama coach Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide, the ranking doesn't really mean anything, though.
"Nothing's really changed for our guys. I mean, what does it matter? What's changed? What's changed from this week, from this Monday to last Monday?" Saban said.
Before this season, the Vols hadn't played a No. 1 team since losing at home to Miami 26-3 in their 2002 homecoming game. They've twice lost to Alabama when it was No. 1.
Tennessee has upset only two of the nine top teams it's faced. An unranked Vols squad beat Auburn 38-20 in 1985, and 13th-ranked Tennessee beat LSU 14-13 in 1959.
It was the chance to add to that list of upsets that was among the reasons defensive tackle Wes Brown, an Athens, Ala., native chose to attend Tennessee.
"This is what you want. This is what you come to Tennessee for. You want to play in the big games," he said. "No offense to the smaller schools we've played, but you come to Tennessee to play a No. 1 team and with a great rivalry like this, you couldn't ask for much more."
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
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Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 89
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Bama and the Gator's have always been co-# 1's in the rivals department for this geezer.
Jawga would be next before the afterthoughts of Ky and Vandy.
Orangelife writes:
im going, so please win
GreerVol22 writes:
you gotta love Kiffin's style, the CBS hat at this news conference, the ESPN U hat last week. Its just nice to know as a fan that effort is never a question with our team or our staff.
mspatskitchen writes:
Bama's finest.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7Jqlc...
TommyJack writes:
Kinda nasty, there Saban. But you've got to go some to be worse than gator fans.
BillyVol writes:
I moved here from eastern Va 3 years ago, and you know to stop a tidal wave?... Give it time and it drops, thats how. The Tide will fall, all tides recede.. back to themselves.
paul5170 writes:
my my,u'all Bammers(cheaters)need'nt b looking over shourders,because Kiffens bringing his boys too whip some pink elephant ash.......
RollTideJoe writes:
Vols will tumble like the rocks along I-40. Remember, the tide keeps coming in whether it rolls out or not....it keeps coming in and washing away everything in its path.
AFVol423 writes:
I still say that playing Florida the third game of the season has been a pit fall since the conference split. For some reason, we are never playing well that early in the year. Alabama is in the perfect spot, mid season, on our game, injuries managable...UPSET city.
RollTideJoe writes:
Q. Where do Vol fans go fishing?
A. The biggest pothole in the highway.
Q. What dance is the Vol fans favorite?
A. Hambone'in to Rocky Flop.
Q. How do Bama fans find Neyland Stadium?
A. They go north until the smell it, then east until the step in it.
PAROLE_tide writes:
Kiff-I-n, and yes bama will always cheat. They got too many boosters that just want to help out.
VolinCalif writes:
Does that mean you will not shake it for me? Shucks I guess I'll have to learn to wash my hands. But I have a question. Will you put a mark on the floor so I know where to stand?
DC_Vol writes:
Agreed Florida fans are the worst. I won't ever route for Florida again after dealing with these trolls. I will however pull for all other SEC schools during their bowl games. I always appreciate a good showing by all SEC teams during Bowl season just to prove we have the best football conference.
DC_Vol writes:
Hilarious!
PAROLE_tide writes:
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iowavol writes:
Wow, sounds like you guys got an upgrade at your little stadium. I imagine the spacious luxury boxes, the wide concourses, the expansive refreshment stands and the big clean bathrooms at Neyland would not matter much to you - but we like it. Congratulations on your upgrade and please do use them - it will smell better at the end of the game.
UT4ever writes:
Nice recycled article........it seems like the KNS is really into recycling, just wish they'd keep it to their aluminum cans instead.....
asleep#212036 writes:
Well I'll tell you one thing: I live in Alabama and most of the time, I'd rather deal with a Bama fan than an Auburn Tiger. Tiders are cocky, sure, but not whiny and believe me, that's worse. But TJ is right, Bama fans have a long way to go to touch the hem of the trashy garment of a Gator lover. Bama has a better coach, better tradition, better fans, and this year, like Kiffin says, a better, more complete team. Does this mean we can't win? No, but it will take our best game of the season and they will need to make a few mistakes. After all, this is the SEC and on any given day...Go Vols!!!
PAROLE_tide writes:
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VolinCalif writes:
That's a funny one. I heard it in 1955 about the KY Cheerleaders. By the way UT has always been a slow starting team. Look at history in the 50's and 60's. You will see that Auburn took us to the clearers in the 1st Sec game of the year. Story was that Auburn wouldn't play UT unless it was the 1st game for us. But it appears it doesn't matter who that early game is, we will stink. The good thing about UT/ Bama is both are in top form when they play. Just got this News Flash. Bama players with tape on their joints will not be allowed on the field during kicking downs.
lctaylor#266399 writes:
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VolinCalif writes:
During the Bears days Bama Fans had a nasty habit of leading me to the state line patting my A@@ and with a smile wishing me luck. That smile went away about 10 yrs ago. Sab has had a couple of good yrs but the Lane train is moving and The vols have a good memory. Just pat the Bama fans on the A@@ smile and wish them luck. Fear Kiffin Go Vols beat Bama
PAROLE_tide writes:
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seaplane#216536 writes:
Alabama is our #1 rivalry but I think most of us would rather whip Florida.
PAROLE_tide writes:
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FearTheVols1252 writes:
Yeah... and Bama fans demonstrate the utmost class...
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7OC0YbG2fek...
Slimjim_Vols writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
PAROLE_tide writes:
"After Bear Bryant dies and enters the Pearly Gates, God takes him on a tour. He shows Bear a little two-bedroom house with a faded Alabama banner hanging from the front porch.
"This is your house, coach," God says happily."Most people don't get their own houses up here."
Bear looks at the house, then turns around and looks at the one sitting on top of the hill. It's a huge, beautiful two-story mansion with white marble columns and little patios under all the windows. Tennessee flags line both sides of the sidewalk and a huge checkerboard UT banner hangs between the marble columns.
"Thanks for the house, God," Bear says. "But let me ask you a question. I get this little two-bedroom house with a faded banner and General Neyland gets a mansion with Tennessee banners and UT flags flying all over the place. Why is that?"
God looks at him seriously for a moment, then says, "Bear, that's not the General's house. That's mine!"
orgbleglory writes:
Could not agree more....UT is an above average program, history on its side, that has done as close to nothing in the past decade as could be evaluated. Therefore, fans are grasping at any and all straws that might come their way....recruiting (as the old Ball Coach used to say, "Ga and Tn always seems to get all the best players according to scouting svcs, all we can do is go out and beat 'em when we play 'em")!!!....moral victories (as Urban said mid-wk following the game, "what the H*** is a moral victory, not familiar with that definition")....easy fan talk w/nothing substantial to back it up...just read these posts!!!....and etc...etc...etc... Now truth be told, the UT fan base is more rabid and active than perhaps any in the country, and very deserving of better results than recently delivered. For your sake, hope Kiff can deliver, otherwise....next decade could be really despondent.
Slimjim_Vols writes:
A Bama fan dies, When he get to the pearly gates he is greeted by Saint Peter wearing a Vols Jersey. Saint Peter says you cannot come in we dont want you here. The Fan says but i was good while I was alive. Saint Peter says ok what was the last 3 good things you did while alive? The fan says, I donated 10 dollars to the children in South America, 10 dollars to Cancer, and 10 dollars to help the homeless...... Saint Peter says hold on i will be right back. After about 10 minutes Saint Peter comes back and hands the Fan 30 dollars and says here God said this is for you but you still cant come in!
Slimjim_Vols writes:
As I remember Alabama had a few bad seasons here the past decade or so....... matter of fact in the past decade Tennessee has been in the SECCG 3 times, Bama 2! Matter of fact Bama hasnt won the SEC since 92!
orgbleglory writes:
If your measuring stick is "has been" or getting to a big game every few yrs vs consistently getting to and winning the big games....then so be it. We Gators operate within the realm of a different set of standards...
bigorange101582 writes:
I am tired of Vol fans bashing Bama fans and Bama fans bashing Vol fans. And please stop with all of the stupid jokes. Let's talk football!
Slimjim_Vols writes:
I had forgotten about the 99' game....... guess I need to get a book on Alabama football so I can have the facts straight...... know any scholarship players willings to let me get theirs ?
PAROLE_tide writes:
Well just skip over them, and don't read the posts. Some of us can't stand bama and it is bama week. If you wanted to talk football than post something about football and we'll read it, thanks.
It is ok to laugh you know.
BrassMonkey writes:
As much as I would love to see. Tennessee will not beat Alabama this weekend. They are on two very different levels.
PAROLE_tide writes:
If I was a betting man I would still take UT and the points. Maybe Crompton has turned the page(let's hope) now if Cunningham can get a little more leg in his kicks our kicking game will improve. Special teams is still our weakness.
Vol_FAN_atic writes:
My 3 year old son has accurately predicted two games this year down to the points (the only two games he predicted) One was a loss and one was a win.
I'm going out on a limb here.
He says;
UT by 16 points!
I know, I know but its hard to over look after his being exactly right twice already. Maybe there is such thing as a little magic!
orgbleglory writes:
Don't be so quick/sure.....perhaps the best thing going for the Tide is the nature of the beast...extreme rivalry game!!! TN defense is for real...offense against this weeks defense is another issue and will lead to Vols demise...don't think there is any way Vols can sneak into a competitive game like AK did us this past weekend...Vols too good and again, RIVALRY game!!
Slimjim_Vols writes:
Like I said in a post after that i forgot about the 99 game......... Here is a question for you though...... you speak of us bragging about losing SECCG but I was being honest about being in it....... if u go back to 97 then u add 2 more for the Vols....... and here is a hint, we didnt have to cheat to get there! BTW if the marker u guys use to kick field goals is duct tape, what do u have holding up the wall unit air conditioner in the truck?
fhulpia16 writes:
There will not be a shut out at any Tennessee game this year. Not so far and not to come. There will be a big upset and the score will reflect a better Tennessee Team than one gives credit to. Tennessee has become a better football team and is improving rapidly. It will depend on how much Coach Kiffin will play the freshmen but our receivers are healthy again and I see JC having a decent game and I feel that the RBs, Hardesty and Brown will claw out over 150 on the ground plus JC and the O will score 21, add a couple Bama Turnovers from the QB and an interception or two picked off by Berry or The LBs Like SC did and we will win. No shutout either way. I say 21-17 UT Go Vols, Oh, and by the way, You are kidding right. talking about indoor plumbing from a state that is so progressively slow that you still use out houses. That like the Pot calling the kettle black. Lets just stick to intelligent conversation if you possibly can and play the game. It is a great rivalry and always has been. Don't cheapen it !!!
Slimjim_Vols writes:
So what you are saying is that even with an extra apperance you still have the same amount of SECCG wins....... also we play in the east with Florida and even though I hate them they are also at the top. If Tennessee and Florida were in different sides of the conference you could easily say that it would have been Tennessee vs Florida for the SEC every year for about 8 years! Dont forget even though your team was down so was your whole side of the conference! Dont forget the little guys on our side dont make it to the SECCG Mississippi State has!
WytheVol writes:
I'll agree to all of that if the team that played UCLA, Auburn and Ohio shows up... With the exception of the "very average d" part. UT's D is much better than you think. However, even the most rabid VOL fan knows UT is up against the best team they have faced all year. I think the AP got it right with Bama being #1. However, most everyone knows that Bama's offense is "average" as well. Without Ingram and Jones, you are hurting. UT will focus on those two, most people feel that McElroy cannot beat anyone with his arm consistently (the same way they feel about Crompton). I still say it will be a close game, but UT will have to find a way to stay fresh all the way through the 4th qtr, because it is no secret that Bama is deeper than TN in most positions. The way I see it, we have two great defenses against two average offenses...
Unless UT just completely falls apart, there is no way we lose by 21. Here's to hoping for a good, hard faught, injury free game!
GO VOLS!
Slimjim_Vols writes:
Also dont forget that with that 6 you speak of that in 93 the only reason you guys got to the game was because Auburn was on probation and wasnt allowed to be there kinda ironic huh...... even more ironic after that the 93 team had to forfeit 8 wins and a tie because CB Antonio Langham had received improper benefits from an agent prior to the season.
You speak of us being happy talkin about losing the game but year you are indulging on getting there once again illegaly!
Slimjim_Vols writes:
How am I spinning it? You can honestly say that had Tennessee not had Florida there the way we did that we wouldnt have been to more of them? Your family must do some very close imbreeding!
Our best years we were playing far better talent than your team was. If you put Bama in the East then they wouldnt have sniffed the SEC in those days PERIOD!
Slimjim_Vols writes:
I love how you didnt address the backing in because of Auburn even though your team lost wins because of violations for the same year....... truth be told you shouldnt have been in that one either way....... you say spin it because it is fact...... same as the fact that Bama cheats...... whether it is car dealerships, text books, duct tape on the field, or anything else you guys do. Here is a question you may be able to answer for me....... If an Alabama man divorces his wife, does that mean they are still cousins?
Slimjim_Vols writes:
You may call me boy now but after saturday just like 12 out of the past 16 years you will call me master....... We will either win, lose and get the win because you cheated, or they will just say this game doesn't count because Bama cheated....... just like a bama fan to tuck tail and run...... we all know you dont have a job anyways..... must be time to pick up women.... oops i mean the family reunion.
WytheVol writes:
I guess for the same reasons we killed a UGA team that beat an Arky team that shut down a UF team that beat UT by 10. Point is, ANY GIVEN SATURDAY!
I'm certainly not trashing Bama's play on the field. A great all around football team. Again, the point was that both teams have some obvious areas in which they can be beaten (every team for that matter). The only area that UT has not shown any real improvement in is special teams. We have improved from week to week in ALL other aspects of the game. I made the point that if we can shut down MI and JJ, we have an opportunity to win the game. Period. If we take those two out of the game, we WILL force McElroy to make mistakes that could cost Bama the game.
The same can be said for Bama, you shut down our running game, and force Crompton to beat you and we could be in trouble, as NONE of our recievers have proven to be THE go-to guy. All us VOLS are hoping that changes this weekend, but until now, it hasn't happened, consistently.
Add all the history and rivalry aspects to that above, and I just don't see how either team could be picked by 21. Again, I meant no disrespect to your Bama team. Just pointing out why I think UT CAN win.
Go Vols!!!
PAROLE_tide writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
ThurmondEppy writes:
Me too. I will be wearing orange amidst a sea of crimson, and it sure would be nice to have them sitting in stunned silence.
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