Nick Saban, Josh Heupel discuss whether Alabama-Tennessee is still a rivalry

The Alabama-Tennessee cross-division rivalry has brought historic drama and intrigue throughout history. However, a run of 14 straight Alabama wins removes some luster from Saturday’s matchup. College football analysts have debated the merits of the one-sided rivalry over the past few years, and Nick Saban and Josh Heupel chimed in Wednesday.

The argument for ending the term rivalry is simple, there has not been competition over recent years. However, the argument for cites history, the tradition each coach, fan and player feels that night.

The history of this rivalry tells a unique story. While Alabama leads the series 57-7-38 all-time, there have been few back-and-forth eras. In fact, over the 120 years of this matchup, there have been eight win streaks of at least four.

Nick Saban on the rivalry

Saban remains undefeated against Tennessee as the Alabama head coach, winning every meeting since 2007. However, the early years came with intrigue. A blocked kick at the buzzer saved the day in 2009 against Lane Kiffin’s Volunteers.

Despite the dominance over recent years, Saban understands the impact one game has on any rivalry.

“You can say it however you want to say it,” said Saban. “But it’s significant if you don’t have success in the game, because it’s significant to a lot of people. And what happened the last however many years you talked about will have no impact on this game at all. The only thing that matters is what happens now. So, for now, this week, it’s a rivalry game to me and I hope it is to everybody in our organization.”

Josh Heupel on the rivalry

First-year Tennessee coach Josh Heupel is new to the Alabama-Tennessee rivalry, but gave a definite answer when asked directly whether the rivalry matters.

“Yeah, for sure,” said Heupel. “The historic nature of it, absolutely.”

While the rivalry certainly means something to Tennessee, there are more pressing matters for Heupel. More than a rivalry, Alabama presents an opportunity. In year one, Heupel has done well building a team, despite the dire circumstances he walked into.

“For us it’s really important that we continue to build the culture and build our program,” said Heupel. “Absolutely, it’s important to get a win in this football game – in this rivalry – between the two schools. For us it’s about controlling the controllables, continuing to grow, continuing to prepare the right way. Our players continue to get better week-by-week and this is our next opportunity.”

A win over Alabama would not only help build culture, it would cement Heupel’s name in the Alabama-Tennessee rivalry.