In recent years, seasons for Tennessee football haven’t ended well when they faced the University of Alabama-Birmingham. And it’s not just tied to the post-Phillip Fulmer era. In fact, the Vols have only faced the UAB Blazers once during that time period.
The two faced off in 2010, Derek Dooley’s first year, and UT won in overtime. They paid for it with a four-game losing streak to follow starting with the 13-men on the field penalty the next week against the LSU Tigers on the road. By the time the losing streak ended, they were 2-6.