Alabama football: Crimson Tide prepare for Tennessee Volunteers rivalry game

While every game is important, some Saturday's just mean a little more. For Alabama, that's this Saturday as SEC foe the Tennessee Volunteers visit Tuscaloosa for a 2:30 p.m. showdown on CBS.

Traditionally played in the third Saturday in October, Alabama versus Tennessee is one of college football's longest standing rivalries.

"I think the Tennessee game is a special game to a lot of people in the state of Alabama because of the tradition and the rivalry that exists here for a long, long time," Alabama coach Nick Saban said. "And the history the game brings. It's most certainly a special game to us and our team to try to get ready to play a very good game against a very good Tennessee team."

The Tide's players realize how big this contest is to everyone around the state as well.

"It means a lot to me. A lot of alumni care so much about this rivalry, plus being in it for the last years, I definitely understand the significance of this game," Alabama defensive lineman Jonathan Allen said. "But it is another SEC opponent. I'm not going to do anything out of the normal that we wouldn't already do for any other game."

Alabama (6-1, 3-1 SEC) has won eight straight over Tennessee (3-3, 1-2 SEC) with many of the contests ending in blowouts. But Saban believes this is a different year. Saban said this is the best team Tennessee has had in awhile.

"They've gotten better and better and better every year and could arguably be undefeated or a one-loss team very easily this year," Saban said.

NOTES, QUOTES

PLAYERS TO WATCH

--QB Jake Coker: Coker had a relatively quiet game against Texas A&M. He's due for a breakout contest.

--K Adam Griffith: Alabama's offense has struggled at home, so Griffith could provide points when the Tide sputters in the redzone.

--LB Reggie Ragland. With Tennessee quarterback Josh Dobbs having the ability to make plays with his legs, Ragland could be used as a spy on Dobbs.