Beating Alabama Still Matters the Most

When the SEC went to divisions in 1992, divisional games became more important than the non-divisional games. Today a lot of Vol fans say beating Florida and even Georgia is more important than beating Alabama. For me, beating Alabama has always been more important.

Those that know the history of the Tennessee Alabama series know that it is a very streaky series. But what you may not know is what the overall success each team enjoyed while on those streaks. Since 1967 Tennessee is 18-32-1 against Alabama.  Below is the history of this series since 1967 and the overall success of each team during their respective streaks.

Tennessee won 4 in row from 1967 to 1970, the Vols won 83% of their games and Alabama won 60% of their games. Tennessee won 2 SEC championships, while Alabama won none.

Alabama won 11 in a row from 1971 to 1981, the Tide 88% of their games and The Vols won 61%. Alabama won 9 SEC championships and 4 national championships, while Tennessee did not win a SEC or National championship.

Tennessee won 4 in a row from 1982-1985, the Vols won 69% of their games compared Alabama's 65%. Tennessee won 1 SEC Championship, while the Tide did not win any.

Alabama was 8-0-1 against the Vols from 1986 to 1994. During this time Alabama won 79% of their games and Tennessee won 72%. Alabama won 2 SEC titles and 1 National title, while the Vols did win 2 SEC titles as well.

Tennessee went 10-2 against the Tide from 1995 to 2006. Tennessee won 78% of its games and the Tide won 59% of their games. The Vols won 2 SEC titles and 1 National Championship, while the Tide did  win 1 SEC title.

Alabama has now won 11 in row since 2007. During this time the Tide have won 86% of their games, while the Vols have managed to win 52% of their games. Alabama won 5 SEC titles and 4 National Championships over this span. You probably know Tennessee has not won a title during these years.

When Tennessee has enjoyed a winning streak against Alabama, Tennessee won 77% of their games, while Alabama won 60% of their games.   When Alabama enjoyed a winning streak against Tennessee, Alabama won 85% of their games and Tennessee won 61% of their games.

Here's what all these numbers tell me, that the team that is on a winning streak enjoys a high level of success, winning a combined 23 SEC Championships, while the team on the losing streak won just a combined 3 SEC Championships. The team on the losing streak wins about 60% of their games overall.

For Tennessee and Alabama winning The 3rd Saturday in October has always mattered the most and always will.