6. Alabama
The only reason Alabama isn’t ranked lower on this list is because they’re still Tennessee’s top rival, and it’s hard to put the Third Saturday in October outside the top half of the Vols’ most important games of any season. But let’s be honest: The Vols shouldn’t be all that competitive in this game this season. Especially considering where this game falls on the schedule.
Looking at this game in a vacuum makes it tough enough for the Vols. Alabama has Tennessee outmatched in talent and depth, and even playing it in Neyland likely won’t give the Vols that much of an advantage. But this game isn’t taking place in a vacuum; it’s taking place after the Vols have already faced off against Florida, Georgia, and Auburn.
This game is important because it’s a rivalry game and it will be a good test to see how the Vols stack up against the best team in the country. But otherwise, Tennessee won’t be expected to win this game or really even keep it all that close. But it’s still important from a pride perspective.
