He knows the crowd will be boisterous at Neyland Stadium and the atmosphere in Knoxville (Tenn.) is prepared to produce an upset victory over Alabama.
Nick Saban was in this moment before in 2022. He has a Heisman winner at quarterback, a dynamic running back, and several standout names on defense, yet the environment was too much. Tennessee clicked at the right time, especially on third down, earning a 52-49 victory over the Crimson Tide. Josh Heupel grabbed his victory cigars, Volunteer fans stormed the field after its first taste of success in 16 tries against Alabama, and both goal posts were tossed into the river.