They first played in 1900 to a tie.
And they have played every year since 1927 with the exception of 1943, when neither team took the field due to World War II.
Alabama may lead the series 51-38-7, and they may have won the last seven (eight if you factor in the vacated win in 2007), but there is no question that both teams have had their share of great moments in this rivalry.
There have been plenty of times when Tennessee and Alabama have incited hatred in each other as well. Consider that before the division split in 1992, this was likely the game to determine the SEC Champion.