Kalen DeBoer on rivalry between Alabama, Tennessee: 'It's a big deal'

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer is going into his first game against the Tennessee Volunteers. It’s a game that he knows is important to finish by smoking a victory cigar.

In his press conference the week of the Tennessee game, DeBoer shared that he’s well aware of how big a deal this game is for both programs. It’s that importance that should help to motivate the Crimson Tide.

CLICK HERE to go to PrizePicks and use code ON3 to receive a guaranteed $50 once you play $5 in lineups!

“I’ve been told it’s a big deal,” Kalen DeBoer said. “And I know it’s a big deal. You see it from afar. These are the games, much like we’ve had — already won a couple here. They’re the big ones that are on the schedule. I mean, as a coach, they’re all big, in different ways and you take one at a time. But certainly understand the significance of the rivalry and guys are going to be very motivated to go out, do their best, and prepare well to be great on Saturday.”

The game between Alabama and Tennessee is traditionally played on the Third Saturday in October, and it was first played in 1901. That game finished in a tie. Since then, the two sides have met 106 times and the Crimson Tide holds the all-time series lead with a record of 59-39-7 over the Volunteers.

Save $30 on your first month of Fubo by CLICKING HERE NOW!

For a limited time, you can get your first month of Fubo for as low as $49.99. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC and 200+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

Since Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel got to Knoxville, he has a 1-2 record against Alabama. That included snapping a 15-game losing streak in the series. However, all of those games came against Nick Saban. This is going to be his first time coaching against Kalen DeBoer on the Third Saturday in October.

Both Alabama and Tennessee suffered upset losses two weeks ahead of the game before winning close games against teams that appeared to be upset-minded the next week. With that, they’re going to want to play better for this key rivalry game.

Paul Finebaum explains if Alabama vs. Tennessee is now a College Football Playoff elimination game

This season, the Third Saturday in October comes at a vital time for both Alabama and Tennessee. They each already have a loss in SEC play and, with each team hoping to make the College Football Playoff, a second loss could be devastating as Paul Finebaum explained.

“Absolutely, because for Alabama all the goodwill from — I’m speaking committee wise now, because I’m just depending on the people that actually know this stuff — this would almost count as a third loss. Because they’re not giving them any credit for beating South Carolina. So you look at that and go ‘yeah,’ but then I’ll leave the rest of the schedule on the other side. But to me it would be a cataclysmic loss,” Finebaum said.

“Then if Tennessee can win then I think they’re back in the conversation very easily, but I think the loser is probably going to pack it in. Because Tennessee will still have Georgia left. They’ve got a couple other games and we’ve already gone over the Alabama schedule, which is prickly.”

That context only adds to the importance of this game for Kalen DeBoer and Josh Heupel. The Alabama-Kentucky game is scheduled to kickoff at 3:30 p.m. EST on Saturday, October 19th.