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Tennessee, Alabama resume rivalry in Tuscaloosa

Oct 20, 2007 - 10:37 AM No. 20 Tennessee (4-2) at Alabama (5-2) 4:30 pm EDT

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama (Ticker) -- Nick Saban's first Tennessee game as Alabama's coach likely will be a close one.

The Crimson Tide host the 20th-ranked Volunteers in their annual "Third Saturday in October" Southeastern Conference clash this weekend.

Tennessee has won 10 of the past 12 in the series, including a 16-13 comeback triumph in Knoxville last year, but the last four meetings have been decided by a total of 18 points.

Two years ago, Alabama edged Tennessee here, 6-3, for its first home win in the series since 1991. The Crimson Tide had gone 0-5-1 in their previous six home games against the Vols.

In their first season under former LSU and Miami Dolphins coach Saban, the Crimson Tide (5-2, 3-1 SEC West) have played five straight games decided by a touchdown or less, including last weekend's 27-24 comeback victory at Mississippi.

Leigh Tiffin's 24-yard field goal with 5:14 left proved the difference for the Tide, who scored the final 10 points. Their last five contests have been decided by a total of 22 points - their closest such stretch since 1991.

Alabama is tied for the SEC West lead with LSU and Auburn, who meet in Baton Rouge this weekend.

Tennessee (4-2, 2-1 East) is tied for second in its division, a half-game back of South Carolina. The Vols began 1-2 with road losses to powers California and Florida, but they have won three straight since, including a 33-21 win at Mississippi State last Saturday.

Erik Ainge threw for 259 yards and two touchdowns with an interception, while Lucas Taylor had 11 catches for 186 yards - both career highs - and a TD in the win.