Alabama vs. Tennessee: Crimson Tide prepare for Vols game - SEC football

Alabama football has seen the comebacks.

The top-ranked Crimson Tide understands how dangerous No. 9 Tennessee can be. Even though they lost to Texas A&M, Tennessee has shown all season that no lead is safe.

That's why Alabama is on high alert heading into Neyland Stadium for the top-10 matchup on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.

Alabama coach Nick Saban said playing for 60 minutes was a part of his message to the team this week.

"We can't relax in games, we can't have lapses in the game," Saban said. "We always talk about 'no scoreboard, keep playing.' When you relax, you let the momentum of the game change and that's hard to get back. And the way people score points now, there have been numerous games where people were ahead by 21 points and end up losing the game. I think for everybody on the team to understand that, whether you play on special teams, offense or defense, is really important. Forget about winning the game. You're either in control of the game or you're not. And if you don't stay in control of the game and you give the other team a lot of opportunities to gain the momentum in the game that they need to get back in the game and maybe come back and have a chance to beat you."

Tennessee is the most dangerous offensive team Alabama has faced to date. Tennessee quarterback Joshua Dobb is mobile enough to limit Alabama's vaunted pass rush. Tennessee running back Alvin Kamara is coming off a big game against the Aggies.

There's also the added rivalry element. Alabama has defeated Tennessee nine straight times.

"This game is a really big rivalry game and a special one for a lot of people in our state, our supporters and our fans," Saban said. "It's obviously a big game for our players as well, and it's very challenging to play this game on the road as it always is because there's always a lot of energy and enthusiasm. Tennessee, I think, has an outstanding team."

NOTES, QUOTES

PLAYERS TO WATCH

--QB Jalen Hurts accounted for 273 yards of total offense and four touchdowns, finishing 13-of-17 for 253 yards through the air, while posting a career-best 228.54 passer efficiency

--LB Shaun Dion Hamilton led the Crimson Tide with a game-high tying nine total tackles, while recording a sack and a forced fumble.

--LB Tim Williams scored a defensive touchdown, recovering an Austin Allen fumble and returning it 23 yards for a score. The senior linebacker also recorded a sack, a pair of quarterback hurries and broke up one pass.

--DB Minkah Fitzpatrick tied the Alabama single-game school record with three interceptions while also making five tackles and breaking up two passes. He set the Crimson Tide record for the longest interception return in program history, taking his third pick back 100 yards for a score to ensure the victory