Week 8 of the college football season is, on paper, one of the weaker weekend slates of the 2021 season. That it includes "The Third Saturday in October" rivalry between No. 4 Alabama and Tennessee says a lot about the current state of this series.
The Crimson Tide have won 14 straight in this rivalry, dating back to Nick Saban's first year in Tuscaloosa in 2007. Will that streak continue to 15 seasons following Saturday's game?
MORE: College football bowl projections for Week 8
Things don't look great for Tennessee a week after its fans pelted Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss on the sidelines of Neyland Stadium in what ultimately was a 31-26 defeat. Quarterback Hendon Hooker was hurt in that game, placing his availability in jeopardy for the matchup vs. rival Alabama. Joe Milton, who finished the game for the Volunteers, will be ready on deck just in case.
Alabama has no such questions at quarterback, where Bryce Young (2,082 yards, 24 touchdowns, three interceptions) is coming off a 20-for-28 passing day against Mississippi State, against whom he threw for 348 yards and four scores. Running back Brian Robinson Jr. has come on strong of late as well, rushing for 599 yards and eight touchdowns through six games this season. Those two will look to attack the Volunteers defense, helping the Crimson Tide to a victory to remain one game ahead in the SEC West race.
With that, Sporting News breaks down how to watch the "Third Saturday October" between Alabama and Tennessee in Tuscaloosa, Ala:
MORE: Watch Alabama vs. Tennessee live with fuboTV (7-day free trial)
What channel is Alabama vs. Tennessee on today?
- TV channel (national): ESPN
- Live stream: ESPN app, fuboTV
The meeting between Alabama and Tennessee will be broadcast nationally on ESPN. Jason Benetti, Greg McElroy and Katie George will call the game.
Alabama vs. Tennessee start time
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 23
- Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
Alabama vs. Tennessee will kick off at 7 p.m. ET from Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
MORE: Tennessee hit with fine, several Vols fans arrested after incident at Neyland Stadium
Alabama schedule 2021
| Opponent | Date | Outcome |
| vs. No. 14 Miami (Atlanta) | Sept. 4 | Alabama 44, Miami 13 |
| vs. Mercer | Sept. 11 | Alabama 48, Mercer 14 |
| at No. 11 Florida | Sept. 18 | Alabama 31, Florida 29 |
| vs. Southern Miss | Sept. 25 | Alabama 63, Southern Miss 14 |
| vs. No. 12 Ole Miss | Oct. 2 | Alabama 42, Ole Miss 21 |
| at Texas A&M | Oct. 9 | Texas A&M 41, Alabama 38 |
| at Mississippi State | Oct. 16 | Alabama 49, Mississippi State 9 |
| vs. Tennessee | Oct. 23 | TBD |
| Bye | Oct. 30 | N/A |
| vs. LSU | Nov. 6 | TBD |
| vs. New Mexico State | Nov. 13 | TBD |
| vs. Arkansas | Nov. 20 | TBD |
| at No. 19 Auburn | Nov. 27 | TBD |
Tennessee schedule 2021
| Opponent | Date | Outcome |
| vs. Bowling Green | Sept. 4 | Tennessee 38, Bowling Green 6 |
| vs. Pitt | Sept. 11 | Pitt 41, Tennessee 34 |
| vs. Tennessee Tech | Sept. 18 | Tennessee 56, Tennessee Tech 0 |
| at No. 11 Florida | Sept. 25 | Florida 38, Tennessee 14 |
| at Missouri | Oct. 2 | Tennessee 62, Tennessee 14 |
| vs. South Carolina | Oct. 9 | Tennessee 45, South Carolina 20 |
| vs. No. 13 Ole Miss | Oct. 16 | Ole Miss 31, Tennessee 26 |
| at No. 4 Alabama | Oct. 23 | TBD |
| Bye | Oct. 30 | N/A |
| at No. 15 Kentucky | Nov. 6 | TBD |
| vs. No. 1 Georgia | Nov. 13 | TBD |
| vs. South Alabama | Nov. 20 | TBD |
| vs. Vanderbilt | Nov. 27 | TBD |